India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20 International at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on October 24. Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy held their nerve in the final overs to help India chase down a target of 181 with one ball remaining. The win gave India a 2–0 lead in the five-match series.
New Zealand scored 180 for five in their 20 overs. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 70 off 43 balls, while Bevon Jacobs added 58 off 40 balls. Their partnership helped the hosts recover after losing early wickets.
India's chase began with early setbacks. Abhishek Sharma scored 27, but New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner put India under pressure with an impressive spell of four wickets for 21 runs. India slipped to 112 for six, leaving the visitors needing a strong finish.
Tilak Varma then took charge, scoring an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls. Nitish Kumar Reddy supported him with an unbeaten 26 off 13 deliveries. The pair added 69 runs for the seventh wicket, turning the match around with powerful shots and smart running between the wickets. Reddy scored the winning runs as India reached 181 for six in 19.5 overs. Tilak was named Player of the Match.
India will now look to extend their lead in the third T20I on Tuesday, October 27, at Wellington's Sky Stadium. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 pm Indian Standard Time. Another win would put India in a strong position to seal the series.
