HighLights
  1. Tilak Varma batter played a key role with a late fifty during the chase.
  2. New Zealand posted 180/5 at Hagley Oval, setting India a target of 181 runs.
  3. The win gives India a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Tilak Varma produced a match-winning unbeaten half-century as India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the second T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.

Chasing 181, India recovered from a drastic middle-order collapse to reach 181/6 in 19.5 overs, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

India were in serious trouble at 112/6 in the 15th over, with New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner performing brilliantly with the ball. However, Tilak held his nerve under pressure and guided the visitors towards victory with a brilliant knock of 51 not out off just 26 deliveries.

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The left-hander struck six fours and a six, combining composure with attacking strokeplay when India needed it most. Nitish Kumar Reddy provided crucial support with an unbeaten 26, and the pair ensured India crossed the finish line with one ball remaining.

Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy Rescue India

India’s chase threatened to fall apart after New Zealand made regular breakthroughs in the middle overs. Santner was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4/21 and putting the visitors under immense pressure.

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Naman Dhir contributed a valuable 31, but India continued to lose wickets at crucial moments. With the required rate rising and six wickets down, the responsibility fell on Tilak to keep the chase alive.

The Indian batter responded with an assured innings, finding boundaries at key moments and refusing to allow New Zealand to dictate the closing stages. Nitish complemented him effectively, remaining unbeaten and hitting the winning runs to seal another victory for India.

The result gave India their second consecutive win of the series after their successful chase in the opening T20I.

Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs Power New Zealand To 180

Earlier, New Zealand posted 180/5 in their allotted 20 overs after recovering from early setbacks. Glenn Phillips led the charge with an attacking 70, while Bevon Jacobs added a crucial half-century to give the hosts a competitive total.

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Jacobs played an important role in the latter stages of the innings, helping New Zealand build momentum and put pressure on the Indian bowlers. Arshdeep Singh was among India’s key performers with the ball, taking two wickets for 33 runs.

India Take Commanding Series Lead

The four-wicket victory puts India 2-0 ahead in the five-match T20I series. New Zealand will now need to regroup quickly, with Santner’s impressive bowling performance ultimately proving insufficient to prevent another defeat.


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