Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy rescued India from a difficult chase as the visitors beat New Zealand by four wickets in Christchurch on Saturday, 24 October, to take a 2–0 lead in the five-match T20I series. India reached 181 for six in 19.5 overs after New Zealand had posted 180 for five at Hagley Oval.
India were under pressure at 112 for six after New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner took four wickets for 21 runs. Varma’s unbeaten 51 and Reddy’s 26 helped turn the chase around, with the pair adding 69 runs for the seventh wicket in a late counterattack.
How did Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy change the match?
Varma stayed through the closing stages while Reddy attacked the bowling, allowing India to recover from a position that had favoured the hosts. Reddy struck the winning runs with one ball remaining. Varma was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution.
What was New Zealand’s total?
New Zealand finished on 180 for five in their 20 overs. Glenn Phillips made 70 and Bevon Jacobs scored 58, rebuilding the innings after the hosts lost three early wickets. Their fourth-wicket partnership added 116 runs and gave New Zealand a competitive total.
How did India take a 2–0 series lead?
The victory followed India’s four-wicket win in the opening T20I. The second result gives India a two-match advantage in the five-game series, while New Zealand must win the next match to keep the contest alive. The third T20I is scheduled for Wellington on 27 October, according to the published tour schedule.
What happened to Ishan Kishan?
Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan missed the second match after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said Kumar Kushagra had been added to the squad as cover and that the medical team was monitoring Kishan’s progress. The board had not announced a return date in its injury update.
India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I: score at a glance
- New Zealand: 180/5 in 20 overs
- India: 181/6 in 19.5 overs
- Result: India won by four wickets
- Key India contributions: Tilak Varma 51 not out; Nitish Kumar Reddy 26
- Key New Zealand bowler: Mitchell Santner 4/21
- Series: India lead 2–0 in five T20Is
- Next match: Wellington, 27 October 2026
Official score and match reports
See the BCCI official match centre for the score and match details. Read the match reports from Reuters and The Indian Express. The BCCI’s earlier injury update on Ishan Kishan provides the official squad context.
Featured image is representative of a cricket venue, not a photograph of this specific match. Photo: Sudhakar Chandra / Unsplash.
GAWAH News Desk
