Raipur India rode on explosive half-centuries from Ishan Krishna and skipper Suryakumar Yadav to defeat New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20 International at Raipur on Tuesday, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Chasing a stiff target of 209, India suffered an early jolt as both openers departed within the first seven balls. Sanju Samson was dismissed for six, while Abhishek Sharma fell for a first-ball duck, leaving the hosts in early trouble. The setback, however, proved brief as Ishan and Suryakumar launched a counter-attack that quickly turned the contest on its head.
Ishan smashed 76 off just 32 deliveries, peppering the boundary and clearing the ropes with ease, while Suryakumar played the anchor with flair, finishing unbeaten on 82 from 37 balls. The pair stitched together a match-defining partnership that dismantled the New Zealand bowling. Shivam Dube provided the finishing touches with a brisk 36 off 18 balls as India overhauled the target with ease.
