Christchurch, 24 October (H.S.): India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the second T20 International on Saturday, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. After winning the toss, India elected to field first, restricting neither the hosts nor their scoring completely as New Zealand posted 180 runs in their allotted 20 overs. India successfully chased down the target, reaching 181 for six in 19.5 overs to seal the victory.

India’s run chase began on an uncertain note, with Sanju Samson scoring 14 and Abhishek Sharma contributing 27. Vaibhav Suryavanshi departed for four, captain Shreyas Iyer managed seven, and Axar Patel was dismissed for 11.

India found themselves in serious trouble at 70 for five, with the match threatening to slip away. However, Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir revived the innings with a crucial 42-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Dhir scored 31 off just 17 balls, striking three sixes to keep India in contention. After his dismissal, Tilak joined forces with Nitish Kumar Reddy to guide the visitors towards victory.

Tilak remained unbeaten on 51 off 26 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six. Reddy provided valuable support with an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls, helping India cross the finish line with one ball remaining. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner claimed four wickets, but his effort was not enough to prevent his side from losing.

Phillips and Jacobs Rescue New Zealand After Early Setbacks

Earlier, New Zealand endured a difficult start after being put in to bat. Tim Seifert scored seven, Finn Allen made 16, and Daryl Mitchell was dismissed for six, leaving the hosts in need of a substantial partnership.

Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs steadied the innings with a vital 116-run stand for the fourth wicket. Phillips struck 70 off 43 balls, including four fours and four sixes, while Jacobs contributed 58 from 46 deliveries.

Michael Bracewell added an unbeaten 10 off just two balls in the closing stages, helping New Zealand reach 180 for five in their allotted 20 overs.

For India, Arshdeep Singh took two wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed one wicket each.

Brief Scores

New Zealand: 180/5 in 20 overs — Glenn Phillips 70, Bevon Jacobs 58.

India: 181/6 in 19.5 overs — Tilak Varma 51 not out, Naman Dhir 31, Nitish Kumar Reddy 26 not out.

Result: India won by four wickets and took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar