India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026 was a spectacle of modern T20 cricket at its finest. On January 23, 2026, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, India delivered a masterclass in chasing, dismantling New Zealand’s 208/6 with a stunning 7-wicket victory in just 15.2 overs. This dominant performance not only gave India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series but also sent a powerful message ahead of the T20 World Cup next month.
Imagine the scene: a packed stadium under lights, dew glistening on the outfield, and India’s batters turning a potential thriller into a one-sided romp. Ishan Kishan, returning with fire after a strong domestic season, blasted 76 off 32 balls. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, shaking off a year-long fifty drought, smashed an unbeaten 82 off 37. Their partnership? A blistering 122 runs that broke records and spirits alike.
This match wasn’t just about runs; it was about resilience. India slumped to 6/2 early, but Kishan and Yadav flipped the script. New Zealand, despite Mitchell Santner’s valiant 47* and Rachin Ravindra’s 44, couldn’t defend what seemed a competitive total. As Santner later quipped, “Against these guys? 300 I guess.”
Why does this win matter? It highlights India’s depth and fearlessness, traits that make them favorites to retain their T20 World Cup crown. For New Zealand, it’s a wake-up call in a tough tour. Let’s dive deeper into how this unfolded, drawing from official reports and expert insights.
From historical clashes to player comebacks, this article breaks it all down. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan in Nagpur or a casual viewer, stick around for the full story.
Toss, Venue Details, and Playing XIs
The toss set the tone for India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026. India captain Suryakumar Yadav won it and opted to bowl first, citing expected dew in the evening. “With dew around, chasing is easier here,” he said pre-match. This decision proved spot on, as the ball gripped less in the second innings.
Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium hosted this clash. With a capacity of 65,000, it’s known for flat pitches and short boundaries – perfect for high scores. The North and South Ends favor pace, but spinners like Kuldeep Yadav thrived in the middle overs. This was Raipur’s big return to international cricket, and the fast outfield amplified every boundary.
Broadcast reached millions via JioHotstar for streaming and Star Sports Network on TV. Fans in India tuned in at 7:00 PM local time.
Playing XIs reflected strategies. India rested Tilak Varma due to injury, bringing in Ishan Kishan. New Zealand rotated, introducing Zakary Foulkes.
Here’s the lineup in table form:
| Team | Playing XI |
|---|---|
| India | Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy |
| New Zealand | Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy |
India’s batting depth shone through. New Zealand aimed for balance with all-rounders like Santner.
Pre-match buzz focused on India’s momentum from the first T20I win in Nagpur, where Abhishek Sharma scored 84. New Zealand needed a response after a 48-run loss. Kishan’s inclusion was key – his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy haul of 517 runs at 197 strike rate earned him the spot.
The pitch report? Flat, with true bounce. Experts predicted 200+ if batted well. Dew factored in, making bowling second tricky.
New Zealand Innings: Explosive Start, Middle-Over Squeeze
New Zealand’s innings in India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026 was a rollercoaster. They posted 208/6, but India’s bowlers clawed back after a fiery powerplay.
It started with a bang. Devon Conway and Tim Seifert attacked Arshdeep Singh, smashing 36 runs off his first two overs. Conway hit three fours and a six in the opener, going at 211 strike rate. Seifert followed with four boundaries in Arshdeep’s second.
By over three, NZ were 43/0. But Harshit Rana struck with a wicket-maiden, dismissing Conway caught by Hardik Pandya. Varun Chakaravarthy then got Seifert, with Ishan Kishan taking a stunner.
Powerplay ended at 64/2 – solid, but India’s spinners tightened.
Rachin Ravindra revived with 44 off 26, including four sixes. He smashed Rana for two maximums. Glenn Phillips added 19 off 13, but Kuldeep Yadav’s wrong’un ended his stay.
Middle overs saw India dominate. Kuldeep removed Phillips and later Ravindra. Shivam Dube’s slower ball got Daryl Mitchell for 18. Mark Chapman struggled at 10 off 13.
From 111/3 at drinks, NZ added just 41 in overs 12-16, losing three wickets. Kuldeep’s 2/35 was pivotal.
Death overs brought revival. Santner smashed 47* off 27, with six fours and a six. Foulkes’ 15* off 8, including a six and four, pushed them past 200. They collected 47 in the last three.
Suryakumar praised the bowlers: “Restricting them to 208 with dew was incredible.”
Full New Zealand scorecard:
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devon Conway | 19 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 211.11 | c Hardik Pandya b Harshit Rana |
| Tim Seifert (wk) | 24 | 13 | 5 | 0 | 184.62 | c Ishan Kishan b Varun Chakaravarthy |
| Rachin Ravindra | 44 | 26 | 2 | 4 | 169.23 | c Arshdeep Singh b Kuldeep Yadav |
| Glenn Phillips | 19 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 146.15 | c Hardik Pandya b Kuldeep Yadav |
| Daryl Mitchell | 18 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 163.64 | c Hardik Pandya b Shivam Dube |
| Mark Chapman | 10 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 76.92 | c Abhishek Sharma b Hardik Pandya |
| Mitchell Santner (c) | 47 | 27 | 6 | 1 | 174.07 | not out |
| Zakary Foulkes | 15 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 187.50 | not out |
Extras: 12 (b 4, lb 2, w 6)
Total: 208/6 (20 overs, RR: 10.4)
India’s bowling:
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | 4 | 0 | 53 | 0 | 13.20 |
| Hardik Pandya | 3 | 0 | 25 | 1 | 8.30 |
| Harshit Rana | 3 | 1 | 35 | 1 | 11.70 |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 4 | 0 | 35 | 1 | 8.80 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 4 | 0 | 35 | 2 | 8.80 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 1 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 12.00 |
| Shivam Dube | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 7.00 |
Fall of wickets: 43/1 (3.2), 43/2 (4.2), 98/3 (8.5), 125/4 (11.3), 129/5 (12.3), 161/6 (16.5)
Over-by-over highlights:
- Over 1: Arshdeep leaks 18 to Conway.
- Over 6: Ravindra hits two sixes off Rana.
- Over 9: Kuldeep strikes Phillips.
- Over 20: Foulkes’ six and four seal 200+.
New Zealand’s slowdown cost them 20-30 runs, per analysis.
India’s Record-Breaking Chase: From 6/2 to Victory in 15.2 Overs
India’s chase in India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026 was pure fireworks. Targeting 209, they won with 28 balls left – the most ever chasing 200+ in T20Is.
It began shakily. Sanju Samson survived a drop but fell for 6 to Matt Henry. Abhishek Sharma ducked out first ball, caught by Conway off Jacob Duffy. 6/2 after 1.1 overs – crisis?
Enter Ishan Kishan. He unleashed on Zakary Foulkes, smashing 24 runs in over 3 (three fours, one six, plus wides). Kishan raced to 50 off 21 balls – fastest by an Indian vs NZ.
Powerplay: 75/2, with Kishan hitting 10 fours. He smashed sixes off Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner.
Suryakumar Yadav started slow (8 off 8) but exploded. Their 122-run stand off 48 balls turned the game. SKY hammered Foulkes for 25 in one over (four fours, one six).
Kishan fell for 76 (32 balls, 11×4, 4×6) to Sodhi. But SKY reached 50 off 23, surviving drops. Shivam Dube joined with 36* off 18 (three sixes).
Daryl Mitchell bowled the final balls; Dube sealed it.
Foulkes’ 3-0-67-0 is NZ’s worst T20I spell.
Full India scorecard:
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson (wk) | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 120.00 | c Rachin Ravindra b Matt Henry |
| Abhishek Sharma | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | c Conway b Jacob Duffy |
| Ishan Kishan | 76 | 32 | 11 | 4 | 237.50 | c Matt Henry b Ish Sodhi |
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | 82 | 37 | 9 | 4 | 221.62 | not out |
| Shivam Dube | 36 | 18 | 1 | 3 | 200.00 | not out |
Extras: 9 (w 8, nb 1)
Total: 209/3 (15.2 overs, RR: 13.63)
New Zealand’s bowling:
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Henry | 3 | 0 | 41 | 1 | 13.70 |
| Jacob Duffy | 4 | 0 | 38 | 1 | 9.50 |
| Zakary Foulkes | 3 | 0 | 67 | 0 | 22.30 |
| Mitchell Santner | 2 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 13.50 |
| Ish Sodhi | 3 | 0 | 34 | 1 | 11.30 |
| Daryl Mitchell | 0.2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6.00 |
Fall of wickets: 6/1 (0.5), 6/2 (1.1), 128/3 (9.1)
Over-by-over key moments:
- Over 1: Samson six, then out.
- Over 3: Kishan 24 off Foulkes.
- Over 6: Kishan 50, powerplay 75/2.
- Over 9: SKY 25 off Foulkes.
- Over 11: SKY 50.
- Over 15: Dube sixes seal win.
This chase ties India’s highest (209 vs Aus 2023). From 6/2, it’s the highest ever after such a start.
Key Highlights and Match Turning Points
What made India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026 unforgettable? Let’s list the top moments.
- Early Collapse and Kishan’s Response: 6/2 could have derailed India. But Kishan’s 24-run over off Foulkes (fours over point, six over midwicket) shifted momentum. “I’ve never seen anyone bat at 6/2 like that,” SKY said.
- Powerplay Dominance: India 75/2 vs NZ’s 64/2. Kishan’s 10 fours set a record pace.
- SKY’s Explosion: After a quiet start, SKY’s 25 off Foulkes – hook six, cover four – ended his 24-inning fifty drought.
- Drops and Luck: SKY survived three chances (43, 64, 70). “He was due some,” analysts noted.
- Santner’s Late Surge: NZ’s captain hit 47*, lifting from 161/6 to 208. But not enough.
- Kuldeep’s Double Strike: Removing Phillips and Ravindra pegged NZ back.
- Record Finish: 28 balls left – most chasing 200+.
Highlights videos show Kishan’s hat-trick boundaries off Santner, SKY’s fine-leg scoops.
Turning point? Kishan’s powerplay blitz. It allowed SKY time, reducing required rate below 6 by over 12.
X reactions: Fans praised “Kishan’s storm” in threads.
Standout Player Performances and Analysis
Player of the Match Ishan Kishan stole the show in India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026.
Ishan Kishan: 76 off 32, SR 237.50. His comeback after November 2023 was electric. Post-SMAT (517 runs, SR 197), he backed himself. “I felt good from ball one,” he said. Shot selection – off-side drives, leg-side flicks – exploited NZ’s lines. Historical note: Fifth Indian with 50+ in powerplay.
Suryakumar Yadav: 82* off 37, SR 221.62. Ending a drought since October 2024, SKY insisted form was fine. “Batting well in nets helped,” he noted. His improvisations – ramps, pulls – tormented bowlers. As captain, he led from front.
Kuldeep Yadav: 2/35. India’s best bowler. Wrong’uns dismissed key batsmen. In form, he’s crucial for World Cup.
Mitchell Santner: 47* off 27, plus captaincy. Revived NZ, but admitted 208 short. “We need to go harder,” he said. All-round, but dew hurt spinners.
Shivam Dube: 36* off 18, plus 1/7. Fluent finisher, golden arm wicket.
Others: Ravindra’s 44 aggressive; Arshdeep leaked runs but historical T20I economy vs NZ is mixed.
Kishan’s headspace: “Answered my questions in domestics.” SKY’s timing returned perfectly.
Bowling and Fielding Breakdown
Bowling defined India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026 outcomes.
India’s attack: Varied, disciplined. Kuldeep and Chakaravarthy (1/35 each) controlled middle. Rana’s maiden crucial. Arshdeep expensive (0/53), but dew played role. Dube’s over (1/7) golden.
Fielding: Sharp. Kishan’s catch, Hardik’s three grabs. No major drops.
New Zealand: Struggled with dew. Foulkes’ 67 runs nightmare – short balls punished. Sodhi 1/34 best. Henry and Duffy early wickets, but spinners leaked (Santner 0/27, Sodhi hit for sixes).
Dew made gripping hard, per Santner: “A bit of a challenge.”
Drops hurt NZ: Samson early, SKY thrice.
Tables:
India Bowling (repeated for reference):
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| … (as above) |
NZ Bowling:
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| … (as above) |
India’s middle-overs squeeze (41 runs for 3 wickets) won it.
Statistical Highlights and Records Broken
India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026 shattered stats.
Highest chase after 6/2 or less: 209 (prev: NZ 194 vs Pak 2023).
Most balls left chasing 200+: 28 (prev: Pak 24 vs NZ 2025).
India’s highest chases:
| Target | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 209 | NZ | Raipur | 2026 |
| 209 | Aus | Vizag | 2023 |
| 208 | WI | Hyderabad | 2019 |
| … | … | … | … |
Successful 200+ chases (teams):
| Team | Count |
|---|---|
| Australia | 7 |
| India | 6 |
| South Africa | 5 |
| … | … |
Foulkes’ 67 in 3 overs: Most by NZ bowler (prev: Wheeler 64/3.1 vs Aus 2018).
Kishan’s 21-ball 50: Fastest Indian vs NZ.
Historical IND vs NZ T20Is: 25 matches, India 14 wins, NZ 9, 2 ties. India unbeaten in last 5 series.
India’s 6th 200+ chase, second globally.
Scoring breakdown:
| Phase | NZ Runs/Wkts | IND Runs/Wkts |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 64/2 | 75/2 |
| Middle | 91/3 | 134/1 |
| Death | 53/1 | – |
Boundaries: NZ 23 fours, 8 sixes; IND 21 fours, 12 sixes.
Dot balls: NZ 35%, IND 24%.
Post-Match Presentation and Player Reactions
Reactions from India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026 highlighted joy and lessons.
Ishan Kishan (POTM): “Nothing special for lunch… I was in good headspace. Chasing 200+, powerplay runs key. Backed myself after domestics.”
Suryakumar Yadav: “Incredible from Ishan… Angry he didn’t give strike early, but it gave me time. Enjoying form now. Bowlers chipped in superbly.”
Mitchell Santner: “300 I guess (laughs). India bats deep with intent. We must squeeze more, go harder. Dew challenging, but adapt.”
Shivam Dube: “Amazing from Ishan and Surya. Team chilled after early wickets – we know our depth. Contributing with ball important.”
Experts: “Vindication for SKY,” per ESPN. X fans: “Comeback real for Kishan.”
Series Standing and Bigger Picture: T20 World Cup 2026
With a 2-0 lead, India dominates the New Zealand tour of India 2026 series. First T20I: 48-run win in Nagpur. Now, Raipur thrashing.
India’s brand: Fearless, deep batting. Wins batting first and chasing show versatility. Ahead of T20 World Cup, they’re peaking. “Mood in camp happy,” SKY said.
New Zealand: Under pressure. Rotation ongoing, but losses hurt. Santner: “Learn and bounce back.” Need wins in remaining three to avoid whitewash.
Historical: India won last five series vs NZ, including 5-0 in 2020.
World Cup implications: India’s chases boost confidence. Kishan, SKY form timely. NZ must fix middle overs.
Next: Third T20I soon. Can NZ respond?
Conclusion
India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026 was a testament to India’s T20 prowess. From Kishan’s blitz to SKY’s masterclass, it was dominant cricket. Records tumbled, stars shone, and the series tilts heavily India’s way.
For fans, it’s exciting times. India’s depth intimidates. New Zealand fights on.
What do you think – whitewash incoming? Comment below! Check ESPNcricinfo for full series stats.
FAQs: India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026
- What was the result of India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026? India won by 7 wickets with 28 balls remaining, chasing down New Zealand’s 208/6 in just 15.2 overs at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026 This dominant victory gave India a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
- Where was the IND vs NZ 2nd T20I 2026 played? The match was played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on January 23, 2026. Known for its flat pitch and short boundaries, the venue made its return to international cricket and favoured high-scoring games due to dew and a fast outfield.
- Who scored the most runs in India vs New Zealand T20I highlights 2026? Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with an unbeaten 82 off 37 balls (9 fours, 4 sixes), followed closely by Ishan Kishan’s explosive 76 off 32 balls (11 fours, 4 sixes). Their 122-run partnership was the cornerstone of India’s record-breaking chase.
- How did India chase 209 vs New Zealand in the 2nd T20I? Despite slipping to 6/2 early, India powered to 209/3 in 15.2 overs. Ishan Kishan’s 21-ball fifty and 10 powerplay fours set the tone, while Suryakumar Yadav accelerated with a 25-run over. Shivam Dube finished unbeaten on 36* off 18.
- What is Ishan Kishan 76 performance in IND vs NZ 2nd T20I Raipur? Ishan Kishan smashed 76 off 32 balls at a strike rate of 237.50, including 11 fours and 4 sixes. His 24-run over off Zakary Foulkes and fastest Indian fifty against New Zealand (21 balls) earned him Player of the Match on his comeback.
- How many runs did Suryakumar Yadav 82 score in the match?* Captain Suryakumar Yadav remained not out on 82 off 37 balls (strike rate 221.62), ending a 24-innings fifty drought. His knock included innovative ramps, scoops, and powerful pulls, guiding India home after the early collapse.
- What records were broken in India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026? India recorded the most balls remaining (28) while chasing 200+, the highest successful chase after starting 6/2 or worse, and tied their highest T20I chase (209). Zakary Foulkes conceded the most expensive spell by a New Zealand bowler (0/67 in 3 overs).
- Who was Player of the Match in India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I 2026? Ishan Kishan was named Player of the Match for his match-defining 76 off 32 balls, which transformed the chase and showcased his aggressive intent after a strong domestic season.
- What is the current series score after IND vs NZ 2nd T20I Raipur? India lead the five-match T20I series 2-0 after victories in Nagpur (1st T20I) and Raipur (2nd T20I). The remaining three matches will determine whether India can complete a clean sweep.
- How does this match impact India’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparation? The dominant chase reinforces India’s fearless brand, batting depth, and versatility in high-pressure run chases—key strengths ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Performances from Kishan, Yadav, and Kuldeep Yadav signal strong form at the right time.
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