In a thrilling T20I spectacle at Raipur, India chased down a challenging 209-run target against New Zealand with 28 balls to spare, thanks to breathtaking knocks from Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.
India found themselves in early trouble at 6/2, losing both Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma cheaply. However, Ishan Kishan responded in emphatic style, launching a ferocious counter-attack that turned the game on its head. The left-hander raced to 76 runs off just 32 balls, including a blistering 21-ball fifty that shifted the momentum completely in India’s favour.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav also made a statement with the bat, returning to form with a composed 82 not out off 37 deliveries. It was his first T20I fifty in more than 20 innings and came at a crucial time for India, as SKY partnered with Kishan to build a match-winning 122-run stand.
This remarkable partnership not only erased India’s early setbacks but also propelled them into the record books. India completed the chase in just 15.2 overs, marking one of the fastest successful chases of 200+ runs in T20 Internationals among full-member teams.
New Zealand’s earlier innings was built around contributions from Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra, who scored 47 and 44 respectively, helping the visitors reach 208/6. However, India’s relentless batting display meant the target was never out of reach once Kishan and SKY got going.
The chase was historic for several reasons:
- Ishan Kishan’s explosive return underlined his value at the top of the order.
- Suryakumar’s fifty ended his prolonged lean patch and reaffirmed his spot as a match-winner.
- India’s total of 209/3 became one of the most commanding run-chases in T20I history.
Kishan’s innings, filled with boundaries and powerful strokes, showed that he has returned to his best form after being recalled to the national side, while SKY’s class and composure added stability and ensured India’s dominance throughout the chase.
Fans and analysts alike noted that this performance could be a major confidence booster for India ahead of bigger T20 events, as their top order demonstrated both resilience and firepower when it mattered most.
Final Score
- New Zealand: 208/6 (20 overs)
- India: 209/3 (15.2 overs)
- Result: India won by 7 wickets with 28 balls to spare