Indians Display A Solid Batting Performance As They Defeat New Zealand By 7 Wickets; Take An Unassailable Lead Of 2-0

Indian batters, especially the openers KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma displayed a solid batting performance as they helped India beat New Zealand by 7 wickets and go 2-0 up in the series, taking an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the 3-match T20I series. 

KL Rahul scored 65 runs off 49 balls with 6 fours & 2 sixes while captain Rohit Sharma scored 55 runs off 36 balls with 1 four & 5 sixes. Both of these constructed a partnership of 117 runs in 13.1 overs before KL Rahul fell to Tim Southee.

After that, Rohit Sharma continued for 2 overs but was then dismissed by the NZ skipper Tim Southee as well. Then, the Indian team lost Suryakumar in the same over and looked to choke as has been their gameplay for a long time now, but the runs required were just under the radar.

In the end, Rishabh Pant smacked 2 back-to-back sixes and took India across the finish line. For New Zealand, captain Tim Southee was the sole wicket taker for his team with 3 wickets. 

In the first innings, Indian bowlers, despite the thrashing they received in the starting overs, showed resilience and restricted New Zealand to 153/6 in 20 overs. 

For India, all the 5 bowlers - Bhuvneshawar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Axar Patel, Ravi Ashwin & Harshal Patel picked up a scalp. Debutant Harshal Patel picked up 2 wickets while others picked up 1 each.

For New Zealand, openers Martin Guptill & Daryl Mitchell both scored 31 runs but weren't able to convert the good start. Glenn Phillips scored 34 off 21 balls with 1 four & 3 sixes but was dismissed by Harshal Patel. India now needs 154 runs to go 2-0 up and win the 3-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Earlier, Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss & opted to field first against New Zealand in the 2nd T20I. This match is being played at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi.

Brief Score: 

New Zealand - 153/6
India - 155/3