Ind vs NZ 2nd T20 : India Hunt Down 209 in Raipur to Go 2-0 Up
The Ind vs NZ 2nd T20 in Raipur turned into a statement night for India, as they chased down a daunting 209 with stunning authority. After New Zealand posted their highest-ever T20I total against India, the hosts looked momentarily rattled at 6 for 2. What followed was a breathtaking counterattack led by Ishan Kishan and calmly finished by Suryakumar Yadav, powering India to a seven-wicket win and a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Match Summary
Ind vs NZ 2nd T20: India vs New Zealand
2nd T20I • New Zealand tour of India 2026 • Raipur
The Ind vs NZ 2nd T20 saw momentum swing wildly before India stamped their dominance. New Zealand’s explosive top order and Mitchell Santner’s late surge lifted them to 208 for 6, a total that once looked well beyond reach. India’s reply began shakily with early wickets, but the counter-punch was ruthless. Kishan’s 21-ball fifty broke the contest open, while Suryakumar absorbed pressure and finished the chase with authority. India completed the highest successful T20I chase against New Zealand with 28 balls to spare, underlining their depth and fearless batting approach.
Playing XI
New Zealand
Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
India
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
Innings Breakdown
First Innings – Ind vs NZ 2nd T20: NZ 208/6
New Zealand came out firing in the Ind vs NZ 2nd T20, with Conway and Seifert smashing 43 in the first three overs and punishing Arshdeep early. India clawed back through Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy, removing both openers inside the powerplay. Rachin Ravindra kept the tempo high with a fluent 44, but the middle overs swung India’s way as Kuldeep and Dube struck in quick succession. Santner’s unbeaten 47 off 27 balls ensured New Zealand crossed 200, though India’s spinners did well to restrict what once looked like a 230-plus total.
Second Innings – Ind vs NZ 2nd T20: India 209/3
The chase in the Ind vs NZ 2nd T20 began in chaos as India slipped to 6 for 2 inside two overs. From there, Ishan Kishan flipped the script with one of the most destructive powerplay knocks in T20I history. He attacked relentlessly, targeting pace and spin alike to bring up a 21-ball fifty. Suryakumar Yadav initially played second fiddle, soaking in the pressure before accelerating seamlessly. The 122-run stand in just 48 balls crushed New Zealand’s bowling plans. Shivam Dube then added the finishing touches as India raced past the target in just 15.2 overs, sealing a dominant win.
Sublime striking! 🔥
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 23, 2026
🎥 Ishan Kishan gets to his fifty in some style 👏
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/8G8p1tq1RC#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ishankishan51 pic.twitter.com/x4RK92sjmJ
Top Performers
Ishan Kishan 76 (32) - The Ideal Comeback
Ishan Kishan produced the defining knock of the Ind vs NZ 2nd T20, blasting 76 off just 32 balls in a breathtaking display of controlled aggression. Walking in at 6 for 2, Kishan showed no hesitation, dismantling New Zealand’s attack during the powerplay. His innings featured fearless strokeplay, clever use of angles, and brutal punishment of anything short or full. Kishan’s 56 runs in the powerplay were the second-highest by an Indian batter in that phase, and his knock completely changed the game’s trajectory. This innings was not just about runs, but about intent, clarity, and answering questions surrounding his place with authority.
Suryakumar Yadav 81* (36)
In the Ind vs NZ 2nd T20, Suryakumar Yadav played the perfect captain’s innings, finishing unbeaten on 81 off 36 balls. After Kishan’s explosive start, SKY ensured India never lost control of the chase. He rotated strike smartly early on before unleashing his trademark range once set. This fifty was particularly significant, marking his first T20I half-century after a prolonged lean patch. His composure under pressure and ability to accelerate at will underlined his importance ahead of the World Cup. SKY’s knock was a blend of responsibility and flair, anchoring one of India’s most memorable chases.
Mitchell Santner 47 (27)
Despite the defeat, Mitchell Santner stood out for New Zealand in the Ind vs NZ 2nd T20 with a vital unbeaten 47 off 27 deliveries. Walking in during a tricky phase, Santner provided late momentum when wickets kept falling at the other end. His clean hitting against pace in the death overs dragged New Zealand past the 200-run mark, giving them something to defend. Santner’s recent T20I form with the bat continues to impress, and his calm presence remains crucial for New Zealand in high-scoring contests. On a night dominated by Indian batters, Santner ensured New Zealand stayed competitive.
What This Result Means
The Ind vs NZ 2nd T20 result firmly tilts the series in India’s favour, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead with three matches to play. Chasing 209 with such ease sends a strong message about India’s batting depth and fearless approach. For New Zealand, the loss raises concerns around death bowling and defending big totals in Indian conditions. India, meanwhile, have now recorded their highest successful T20I chase against New Zealand and shown they can dominate both batting first and chasing. With the World Cup approaching, India’s confidence, form, and flexibility are all trending in the right direction.
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