In a spectacular display of batting prowess, India clinched a decisive 7-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20 International at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on Friday, January 23, 2026. This triumph propels the Men in Blue to a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, showcasing their dominance in the shortest format of the game.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav Leads from the Front
India's skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, finally rediscovered his scintillating form, delivering a masterclass innings of 82 runs that set the tone for the chase. His knock was a blend of aggression and finesse, featuring 4 towering sixes and 9 elegant fours, as he anchored the innings with confidence and flair. Yadav's return to peak performance was a crucial factor in India's successful pursuit of the target.
Ishan Kishan's Memorable Half-Century
Adding to the fireworks, Ishan Kishan marked his comeback in Indian colors with a sensational half-century, his first in over two years. Kishan blazed his way to 76 runs, dismantling the New Zealand bowling attack with 11 boundaries and 4 sixes. Although he fell short of seeing the team through, his explosive partnership with Yadav laid a solid foundation for the victory.
Shivam Dube's Vital Contribution
Shivam Dube provided crucial support with a blistering cameo of 36 runs off just 18 deliveries, ensuring the momentum remained firmly in India's favor. His quickfire innings complemented the efforts of the top order, highlighting the depth and versatility of the Indian batting lineup.
New Zealand's Innings: A Mixed Bag
Earlier in the match, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 208 for 6 on a batting-friendly surface. Rachin Ravindra (44 off 26) and captain Mitchell Santner (47 not out off 27) were the standout performers, injecting aggression at different stages to push the score beyond the 200-run mark. However, India's bowlers managed to pull things back in the latter overs, restricting what could have been an even more daunting target.
Kuldeep Yadav's Impactful Return
Kuldeep Yadav made a significant impact with two timely wickets in the middle overs, dismissing the dangerous Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. His spell played a pivotal role in curbing New Zealand's scoring rate and building pressure on the opposition.
Key Bowling Changes and Early Strikes
India's decision to bowl first, anticipating heavy dew, proved strategic. Harshit Rana, replacing the injured Axar Patel, struck early by dismissing Devon Conway for the fourth time in as many innings. Arshdeep Singh, despite conceding runs initially, contributed to the early breakthroughs, while Shivam Dube's slower ball accounted for the in-form Daryl Mitchell.
Series Implications and Looking Ahead
With this victory, India has firmly taken control of the series, demonstrating their strength in T20 cricket. The performances of Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have not only secured the win but also bolstered the team's confidence for the remaining matches. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on whether New Zealand can mount a comeback or if India will continue their winning streak.
The match in Raipur was a testament to India's batting firepower and strategic bowling, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as both teams vie for supremacy in the T20 arena.
