Raipur, January 23, 2026 – India secured a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, triumphing by seven wickets in the second match at Raipur's Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium. The victory was largely powered by a record-breaking run chase, completing the 209-run target in a mere 15.2 overs.
After the match, all-rounder Shivam Dube lauded the impactful partnership between Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav. Their explosive third-wicket stand of 122 runs in just 48 balls proved pivotal in decimating the New Zealand attack. Kishan's aggressive innings of 76 runs from 32 balls, including 11 boundaries and four sixes, set a blistering pace.
Suryakumar Yadav, who had been experiencing a lean patch, showcased his sublime form with an unbeaten 82 off 37 deliveries. His innings was punctuated with nine fours and four sixes, and he reached his half-century in just 23 balls. Yadav admitted he was lucky, having been dropped three times, but he ensured to capitalize on each opportunity.
Dube himself contributed a rapid 36 not out from 18 balls, which included three sixes, further accelerating India's march to victory. Dube and Yadav's unbroken 81-run partnership sealed the chase, setting a record for the most balls to spare by a full-member team in a successful 200-plus T20I chase. Dube's contribution at the end helped India get to the target in under 16 overs.
New Zealand's innings saw Devon Conway and Tim Seifert begin strongly, putting on 43 runs quickly. Rachin Ravindra's brisk 44 and Mitchell Santner's unbeaten 47 helped New Zealand reach a competitive total of 208 for 6. Kuldeep Yadav was India's most effective bowler, claiming 2 for 35. Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and Shivam Dube each took a wicket.
Reflecting on Kishan's innings, Suryakumar Yadav playfully said, "I don't know what Ishan had in the afternoon for lunch, but I have never seen someone batting that way at 6 for 2 and ending the powerplay on 60-odd". He further added, “I was angry he wasn't giving me strike in the powerplay but I was able to get a hold of the conditions". Suryakumar also lauded the team's bowling performance, noting that he thought New Zealand would reach 230 after their strong start.
Mitchell Santner acknowledged India's aggressive approach, stating, "When you come up against a side that bats deep on a really good wicket, that's the way India have come out—with intent from ball one".
With this win, India leads the series 2-0. The next match is scheduled for January 25 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. This series serves as India's final preparation before the T20 World Cup 2026, commencing on February 7.
