New Zealand, 24 Oct (Sports Desk)

ndia produced a remarkable comeback to defeat New Zealand by four wickets in the second T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on October 24, 2026. Tilak Varma played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 51 runs off just 26 balls as India chased down the target of 181 with one ball to spare, taking a 2–0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

Match Details

• Match: 2nd T20I, India tour of New Zealand 2026

• Date: October 24, 2026

• Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch

• Result: India won by 4 wickets

• Series score: India lead 2–0

• Toss: India won and elected to field.

New Zealand Innings: 180/5 in 20 Overs

New Zealand put up a competitive total of 180/5 after being asked to bat first. Glenn Phillips led the innings with an attacking 70, while Bevon Jacobs contributed 58 runs to help the hosts build a strong platform. India’s bowlers took wickets at important stages but New Zealand finished with a challenging target of 181.

India’s bowling highlights

• Arshdeep Singh: 2 wickets for 33 runs

• Prince Yadav: 1 wicket for 30 runs

India’s Chase: 181/6 in 19.5 Overs

India’s chase became tense after the team lost wickets in the middle overs. At one stage, India were struggling at 112/6 in the 15th over, with New Zealand looking well placed to defend their total. However, Tilak Varma held his nerve and changed the momentum with a brilliant late-innings assault.

Tilak combined clean hitting with smart running between the wickets, while Nitish Kumar Reddy provided crucial support. Their unbeaten seventh-wicket partnership of 69 runs took India across the finish line. Reddy scored the winning runs in the final over as India completed the chase with one delivery remaining.

New Zealand’s bowling highlights

• Mitchell Santner: 4 wickets for 21 runs

• Jacob Duffy: 1 wicket for 41 runs

Despite Santner’s outstanding spell, New Zealand could not stop India’s late comeback.

Turning Point of the Match

The turning point came in the closing overs, when Tilak Varma attacked the New Zealand fast bowlers and found boundaries under immense pressure. His unbeaten half-century, combined with Nitish Reddy’s composure, transformed a difficult chase into a memorable Indian victory.

Series Situation

With this win, India moved ahead 2–0 in the five-match T20I series. New Zealand will need to respond in the third match to keep the series alive. The next game is scheduled in Wellington

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