India wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan made the most of his opportunity in the Suryakumar Yadav-led side by producing a match-changing knock at number three during the second T20I against New Zealand in Raipur. Chasing a mammoth 209, India lost Sanju Samson in the first over and Abhishek Sharma in the second, putting the team under early pressure.
Kishan responded by attacking straight away. Ishan shifted the momentum of the game, smashing a half-century off just 21 balls, helping ease the pressure during a difficult chase.
The southpaw smashed nine fours and two sixes to bring up his fifty before accelerating even more. Kishan eventually scored 76 off 32 balls, smashing 11 fours and four sixes, and showed his ability to find gaps and clear the ropes all around the ground.
Although Ish Sodhi dismissed him, Kishan had already done the damage. By the time he got out, India needed only 81 runs from 65 balls, leaving the rest of the batting lineup in a comfortable position to finish the chase.
Ishan Kishan breaks Abhishek Sharma's record
Kishan’s 21-ball half-century also set a new record, breaking Abhishek Sharma’s two-day-old mark for the fastest T20I fifty by an Indian against New Zealand.
How Ishan Kishan made international comeback?
This was Kishan’s first T20I half-century since November 2023. He earned his place back in the side after an outstanding Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season, where he led Jharkhand to the title. Kishan is filling in for Tilak Varma in this series, with the young left-hander sidelined due to injury.
India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I
Captain Suryakumar Yadav regained his form with a brilliant unbeaten 82 off 37 balls as India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I to take 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
After being asked to bowl, New Zealand put up a strong total of 208 for six. India chased it down comfortably with 28 balls remaining, thanks to a stunning 76 off 32 balls from Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar’s aggressive knock. The chase looked difficult early on as India lost two wickets for just six runs in the second over.
Shivam Dube also played a useful role, scoring a quick 36 off 18 balls to keep the momentum going.
For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra got them off to a fast start with 44 from 26 balls, while other top-order batters chipped in with quick runs. However, the Indian bowlers managed to slow things down after the early burst.
Mitchell Santner provided a late push for the visitors, remaining unbeaten on 47 off 27 balls, which helped New Zealand cross the 200-run mark. With this win, India now lead the series 2-0, having also won the opening match.