India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the T20I series, chasing 209 in just 15.2 overs
Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav starred with explosive knocks of 76 off 32 balls and 82* respectively
Early Kiwi momentum was halted by timely strikes from Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, and Shivam Dube, restricting New Zealand to 208/6
India crushed New Zealand by seven wickets in Raipur, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20 series. Chasing 209, India lost early wickets as Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma fell cheaply, but Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav turned the game around.
Kishan blasted 76 off 32 balls, while Suryakumar remained unbeaten on 82, finishing the chase in just 15.2 overs with Shivam Dube adding a quick 36*.
Kishan’s return after more than two years was sensational. He attacked from the first ball with pick-up shots, pulls, and a reverse sweep.
Even a mistimed slog sweep that landed in Matt Henry’s hands didn’t take the shine off his destructive knock. Suryakumar carried the momentum, steadying the innings and hitting boundaries at crucial moments.
New Zealand started fast with Devon Conway and Tim Seifert, scoring 111 in 10 overs. Conway smashed 18 off Arshdeep Singh in the first over, and Seifert added four boundaries in the next.
But Harshit Rana struck early, dismissing Conway for the fourth consecutive time in white-ball matches against India, and wickets of Seifert and Glenn Phillips slowed the Kiwis down.
Kuldeep Yadav returned to form in the middle overs, taking two key wickets, while Shivam Dube removed Daryl Mitchell with a slower ball. Despite a late surge by Mitchell Santner in the final five overs, India restricted New Zealand to 208/6.
In the chase, Kishan and Suryakumar dominated. Kishan’s fearless stroke play, Suryakumar’s composure, and Dube’s quickfire hitting made the target look easy. India’s top-order firepower and disciplined bowling ensured a flawless victory, setting the tone ahead of the T20 World Cup.
India also set a new benchmark, breaking Pakistan’s record for the fastest 200-plus run chase in T20 Internationals. The 209-run target was completed in just 15.2 overs, showcasing the hosts’ explosive batting firepower.
Fastest 200-Plus Run Chases In T20Is
Here’s how it stacks up historically:
India: 209 in 15.2 overs vs New Zealand – Raipur (2026)
Pakistan: 205 in 16 overs vs New Zealand – Auckland (2025)
Qatar: 204 in 16 overs vs Kuwait – Doha (2019)
Australia: 215 in 16.1 overs vs West Indies – Basseterre (2025)
South Africa: 206 in 17.4 overs vs West Indies – Johannesburg (2007)
