Ishan’s Storm, SKY’s Sunrise: India Crush New Zealand in Second T20I

 

Time is the greatest teacher, and Ishan Kishan’s journey is living proof of that. Despite being the highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Kishan was not hopeful of an immediate recall to the Indian team. But cricket has its own way of scripting comebacks. Rising like a phoenix, the left-hander returned to the national side in spectacular fashion, delivering a breathtaking performance in the second T20I against New Zealand at Raipur.

Kishan’s blistering knock lit up the stadium, while Suryakumar Yadav finally ended his long wait for a half-century in international cricket. Chasing a daunting target of 209, India reached the mark with 28 balls to spare, registering a commanding seven-wicket victory.

Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive 208 for 6, thanks to solid contributions from Rachin Ravindra (44) and Mitchell Santner (47*). Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming two wickets for 35 runs, while Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube chipped in with one wicket each.

India’s chase got off to a disastrous start as both openers—Sanju Samson (6) and Abhishek Sharma (0)—were dismissed cheaply, leaving the hosts reeling at 6 for 2. With pressure mounting, Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav steadied the innings and then completely turned the game on its head.

Kishan raced to his half-century in just 21 balls, playing with fearless intent and fluent strokeplay. Suryakumar, on the other hand, played the perfect anchor, allowing Kishan to attack freely. Their partnership of 122 runs laid the foundation for India’s emphatic win. Kishan was eventually dismissed for a scintillating 76 off 32 balls, an innings studded with 11 fours and four towering sixes.

Even after Kishan’s departure, India did not lose momentum. Suryakumar shifted gears and unleashed his trademark 360-degree batting, scoring his 22nd T20I half-century—his first in 14 months. Shivam Dube provided excellent support with a handy 36, as the duo added another 81 runs.

Suryakumar remained unbeaten on a classy 82 off 37 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes. India sealed the match in just 15.2 overs, completing a dominant chase and taking a 2–0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

With two comprehensive wins, Team India have firmly seized control of the series. The third T20I will be played on Sunday, with New Zealand now under immense pressure to stage a comeback.