India produced one of their most emphatic T20I run chases as Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav dismantled New Zealand’s bowling attack, powering a seven-wicket win in Raipur with 28 balls to spare. Chasing 209 after slipping to 6 for 2 inside two overs, India completed their joint-highest successful T20I chase, sending a clear message about the firepower of their modern batting line-up.
Kishan set the tone with a breathtaking 76 off just 32 balls, turning the match on its head during a ruthless powerplay assault. He tore into Zak Foulkes and neutralised New Zealand’s spin options with fearless strokeplay, racing to a 21-ball fifty as India surged to 75 for 2 after six overs. Even after his dismissal, the damage was done, the required rate had collapsed and New Zealand were scrambling for answers.
Suryakumar then took centre stage, reminding everyone why he remains one of T20 cricket’s most destructive forces. The Indian skipper played a controlled early hand before exploding with trademark innovation, finishing unbeaten on 82 off 37 balls. His first T20I fifty in 24 innings came off just 23 deliveries, and despite a few dropped chances, Suryakumar ensured there was no way back for the visitors, calmly steering the chase alongside Shivam Dube’s brisk 36*.
Earlier, New Zealand had posted a strong 208 for 6, driven by aggressive cameos rather than a single dominant innings. Devon Conway and Tim Seifert provided early momentum, while Mitchell Santner’s 47* off 27 rescued the innings after India clawed back with wickets in the middle overs. However, a slowdown between overs 12 and 17 ultimately proved costly, limiting New Zealand to a total that was never safe on a dewy Raipur surface.
The result gives India a 2-0 series lead and underlines the gulf in batting depth between the sides. From a near-collapse to a canter, Kishan and Suryakumar delivered a statement performance, one that redefined what is possible in a T20 chase and reaffirmed India’s reputation as cricket’s most fearsome finishing unit.
