India secured a series victory over New Zealand in the second T20I on January 23, 2026, at Raipur. The Indian team chased down a target of 209 runs, finishing with a score of 209 for 3 in just 15.2 overs.
Key Performers
Suryakumar Yadav was the star of the match, scoring an impressive 82 runs off 37 balls. His innings included seven fours and five sixes. Ishan Kishan also played a significant role, contributing a quickfire 76 runs from just 32 balls, which featured 10 boundaries and three sixes.
New Zealand’s Batting Display
New Zealand batted first, posting a competitive total of 208 for 6. Mitchell Santner led the charge with an unbeaten 47 runs off 27 deliveries. Rachin Ravindra provided solid support with a quick 44 runs off 26 balls. However, several key wickets, including that of Tim Seifert for 24 runs and Glenn Phillips for 19 runs, hampered their momentum.
Bowling Highlights
- Kuldeep Yadav was effective with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 35 runs in his four overs.
- Shivam Dube and Varun Chakaravarthy contributed with two dismissals each, adding pressure on the New Zealand batting lineup.
Match Summary
The match saw India win the toss and opt to bowl first. New Zealand started strongly, but India’s disciplined bowling and fielding restricted them to under 210. In response, India lost early wickets, but the partnership between Kishan and Suryakumar proved crucial in leading the team to victory.
Statistics
| Team | Score | Top Scorer | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 208/6 (20 overs) | Mitchell Santner – 47* | 2 (Shivam Dube, Varun Chakaravarthy) |
| India | 209/3 (15.2 overs) | Suryakumar Yadav – 82 | 2 (Ishan Kishan) |
With this victory, India clinched the series with a dominant performance, showcasing their batting prowess and effective bowling strategies. The team’s focus now shifts to the upcoming T20 World Cup, where they aim to build on this success.
