- India win by four wickets: India chased 181 in 19.5 overs to defeat New Zealand in the second T20I.
- Tilak Varma stars with the bat: His 51 off 26 balls helped India stay on course during the chase.
- India lead 2-0: The victory puts India in a strong position in the five-match T20I series.
Christchurch: India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the second T20 International at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24, 2026, to move 2-0 ahead in the five-match series.
Chasing a target of 181, India reached 181/6 in 19.5 overs. Tilak Varma led the batting effort with a crucial half-century, scoring 51 runs from 26 deliveries. Naman Dhir added 31 off 17 balls to help the visitors overcome New Zealand’s bowling challenge.
New Zealand had posted 180/5 in their allotted 20 overs after Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs produced important contributions with the bat. However, India’s middle-order response proved decisive in the closing stages.
India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I: Tilak Varma Leads the Chase
India began their chase aiming to build on their four-wicket victory in the opening match. However, the hosts made regular breakthroughs and kept the required run rate under pressure.
Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, included in the playing XI after Ishan Kishan was ruled out with an injury, scored four runs off eight balls. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma also failed to convert their starts into substantial innings.
Tilak Varma then provided the stability India needed. The left-hander attacked the New Zealand bowlers and maintained the scoring rate despite wickets falling at the other end.
His 51 off 26 balls included five fours and three sixes. The innings helped India remain in contention as the chase entered its decisive phase.
Naman Dhir Provides Crucial Support
Naman Dhir played an important role in keeping India’s chase on track with a quick 31 off 17 deliveries.
With the target still requiring sustained aggression, Dhir helped reduce the pressure on the lower order. His partnership with the middle-order batters gave India the momentum needed to approach the final overs with a realistic chance of victory.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner created further problems for the visitors by taking four wickets. His spell kept the contest competitive and forced India to work hard for every run.
Despite the pressure, India managed to reach the target at 181/6 in 19.5 overs, winning with one ball remaining.
Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs Power New Zealand to 180
Earlier, New Zealand finished their innings at 180/5 after being asked to bat first.
Glenn Phillips was the leading scorer, making 70 runs from 43 balls, including four fours and four sixes. His innings helped the hosts recover and maintain a competitive scoring rate.
Bevon Jacobs contributed 58 off 46 deliveries, striking five fours and one six. The pair provided the foundation for New Zealand’s total after the hosts lost wickets during the early stages.
Michael Bracewell added an unbeaten 10 off just two balls at the end, helping New Zealand finish strongly.
India’s bowling attack shared the wickets, with Arshdeep Singh taking two wickets. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed one wicket each.
Mitchell Santner’s Four Wickets Keep New Zealand in the Contest
New Zealand’s bowlers put India under pressure during the chase, with Santner delivering the standout bowling performance.
His four-wicket haul disrupted India’s batting rhythm and prevented the visitors from completing the chase comfortably.
The hosts needed further support from the other bowlers to defend 180, but India’s middle order managed to find the runs required in the final overs.
The result also highlighted the importance of partnerships in T20 cricket, particularly when a team loses wickets while pursuing a challenging target.
What India’s Victory Means for the T20I Series
The win gives India a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. After successfully chasing 226 in the opening match, India have now completed another demanding run chase.
For New Zealand, the defeat leaves little room for error in the remaining matches. Their batting unit produced a competitive total, but the team could not prevent India from crossing the finish line.
India will look to maintain their winning momentum in the third T20I, while New Zealand will aim to respond and keep the series alive.
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