India Crush New Zealand by 7 Wickets to Take 2–0 Lead in T20I Series

Raipur, Jan 2026 : Team India delivered a stunning all-round performance to defeat New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20 International of the five-match series at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on January 23, 2026. Chasing a challenging target of 209 runs, India completed the task in a breathtaking 15.2 overs, losing only three wickets, to take a commanding 2–0 lead in the series and gain strong momentum ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The emphatic victory highlighted India’s batting depth, fearless approach, and growing confidence under the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav. The New Zealand bowlers, despite setting a competitive total, were left helpless as Indian batters unleashed a relentless assault from the very start of the chase.

Earlier in the evening, India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that initially appeared risky on a batting-friendly Raipur surface. New Zealand made full use of the conditions, posting an imposing 208 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. The visitors built their innings steadily, with contributions coming from the top and middle order, although they failed to convert promising starts into a truly massive total.

Rachin Ravindra played a fluent knock of 44 runs off 26 balls, providing early momentum to the New Zealand innings. Tim Seifert chipped in with a quick 24 off 13 deliveries, while Devon Conway added a brisk 19 from just nine balls. However, it was skipper Mitchell Santner who anchored the innings towards the end, remaining unbeaten on 47 off 27 balls and ensuring New Zealand crossed the 200-run mark. Despite these efforts, regular wickets at crucial stages prevented the visitors from completely dominating the Indian bowlers.

For India, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 2 for 35 and applying pressure through the middle overs. Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya each claimed a wicket, striking at key moments to halt New Zealand’s momentum. Although the visitors accelerated in the final overs, timely breakthroughs ensured they did not run away with the contest.

Chasing 209, India suffered a brief wobble early on. Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were dismissed cheaply, leaving India at a vulnerable position inside the powerplay. However, what followed was a breathtaking counterattack that completely turned the match on its head.

Ishan Kishan, promoted up the order, launched a ferocious assault on the New Zealand bowling attack. From the moment he settled at the crease, Kishan played with intent and aggression, targeting both pace and spin with ease. He smashed 76 runs off just 32 balls, striking 11 boundaries and four towering sixes at a remarkable strike rate of over 230. His fearless approach not only erased the early setbacks but also put New Zealand firmly on the back foot.

At the other end, captain Suryakumar Yadav once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket. Calm, composed, and innovative, Suryakumar played an unbeaten knock of 82 off 37 deliveries, blending classical stroke play with his trademark unorthodox shots. His ability to find gaps at will and clear the boundary with effortless timing left the crowd in awe.

The third-wicket partnership between Kishan and Suryakumar completely changed the complexion of the match. Boundaries flowed freely, and the required run rate was never allowed to climb. By the end of 13 overs, India had raced to 178 for 3, with victory all but sealed. After Kishan’s dismissal, Shivam Dube joined the captain and ensured there were no further hiccups. Dube played a valuable finishing role, remaining unbeaten on 36 off 18 balls and helping India cross the finish line with ease.

India eventually reached 209 for 3 in just 15.2 overs, registering one of the fastest successful chases of a 200-plus total in T20 international cricket by a full-member nation. The aggressive powerplay, high run rate throughout the innings, and clinical execution under pressure underlined India’s dominance.

The match proved to be a memorable spectacle for the packed Raipur crowd, who were treated to an exhibition of explosive batting. Every boundary and six from Suryakumar Yadav was met with thunderous applause, turning the stadium into a cauldron of celebration. The atmosphere reflected India’s growing confidence and belief as a unit.

With this win, India now hold a strong psychological and numerical advantage in the series. Both the batting and bowling units appear well balanced, with a promising mix of youth and experience clicking together seamlessly. Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership continues to inspire confidence, as the team plays fearless and attacking cricket.

For New Zealand, the defeat raises serious concerns. Despite posting a strong total, their bowling attack struggled to contain India’s aggressive approach. To stay alive in the series, they will need to reassess their strategies, especially in the powerplay and middle overs.

As the series progresses, India will look to maintain their winning momentum, while New Zealand will aim for a swift comeback. This dominant performance in Raipur has not only given India a 2–0 series lead but also reinforced their status as a formidable force in T20 cricket heading into a crucial year.

Score Summary

New Zealand: 208/6 in 20 overs
India: 209/3 in 15.2 overs

Result: India won by 7 wickets
Series: India lead 2–0 in the five-match T20I series

Playing XIs

India (Playing XI):
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand (Playing XI):
Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

Team Maverick