Ishan Kishan stole the spotlight in Raipur during India’s chase in the second T20I against New Zealand, producing a blistering counter-attack that helped turn the match on its head. After a rare low score in the previous game, Kishan answered critics in emphatic fashion with a 21-ball half-century, the fastest by an Indian batter against New Zealand in T20Is — setting the tone for a dominating chase that handed India a 2–0 lead in the series.
India face early trouble in Raipur
India’s reply to New Zealand’s imposing total of 208 for six began in trouble when both openers were dismissed inside the powerplay. Sanju Samson fell cheaply to Matt Henry, and Abhishek Sharma was out for a golden duck, leaving the hosts precariously placed at 8 for 2.
Kishan turns the tide with explosive batting
Ishan Kishan walked in with the required run rate climbing and immediate pressure on the middle order. He responded with aggressive intent, cutting and driving with conviction.
Kishan reached his half-century in just 21 deliveries, repeatedly finding the boundary as India steadied the chase. He smashed a big six & cracking boundary off Matt Henry to reach the milestone.
His innings eventually yielded a match-defining 76 off 32 balls, before he was dismissed by Ish Sodhi while India remained in firm control.
Partnerships & complemented aggression
Kishan’s assault allowed India to arrest the early slide and shift momentum. He combined with skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who also played a solid innings, to keep India ahead of the required rate throughout the middle overs. Their efforts ensured the chase never swung fully back to the visitors after the early setbacks.
India complete the chase emphatically
India sustained the pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers, ultimately chasing down the 209-run target in 15.2 overs with seven wickets in hand. The commanding victory in Raipur secured a 2–0 lead in the five-match T20I series, leaving India firmly in control with three matches still to play.
Why this innings mattered
Kishan’s performance was notable not just for its explosive nature, but also for timing. Coming off a quiet outing in the first T20I, his rapid scoring provided the impetus India needed after early wickets, shifting momentum decisively in their favour. The knock underlined Kishan’s ability to influence big chases and inject aggression when his team is under pressure, reinforcing his place as a key attacking option in India’s T20 setup.
