Fans go wild as Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav powers India to a 2-0 series lead over New Zealand in the T20Is

Jan 23, 2026

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Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav

In a record-shattering performance in Raipur on January 23, 2026, India dismantled New Zealand by seven wickets to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Chasing a formidable target of 209, the Men in Blue made a mockery of the chase by reaching the finish line in just 15.2 overs. This sensational victory was powered by blistering half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav, who turned a potentially tricky pursuit into a historic run-fest.

Record-breaking chase: India 0utclass New Zealand with help of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav 

The Indian run-chase in Raipur will be remembered as one of the most clinical displays of power-hitting in T20I history as they chased down 209 with 28 balls to spare. After the early dismissals of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma left India reeling at 6/2, Kishan launched a breathtaking counter-attack that completely deflated the New Zealand bowling attack.

Kishan’s whirlwind 76 off 32 balls included 11 boundaries and four massive sixes, reaching his half-century in just 21 balls, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand. He found a perfect partner in Suryakumar, who silenced his critics with a majestic, unbeaten 82 off 34 balls*, marking his first T20I fifty since 2024. The duo shared a 122-run stand that effectively ended the contest within the first ten overs, leaving the Kiwi bowlers with no answers to their 360-degree stroke play. Even after Kishan’s departure, Shivam Dube (32 off 15) ensured there were no further hiccups, finishing the game with nearly five overs left. This victory stands as the highest target successfully chased down by India and the most dominant chase of a 200+ score among Full Member nations.

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ, 2nd T20I: Hardik Pandya and Murali Kartik engage in an animated discussion; video goes viral

New Zealand’s valiant effort overshadowed in Raipur

Earlier in the evening, New Zealand’s batters had put together what seemed like a match-winning total of 208/6, only to see it overhauled in record time. Rachin Ravindra (44) and Mitchell Santner (47) were the pillars of the Kiwi innings, punishing the Indian pacers during the middle and death overs to propel their side past the 200-run mark. The Blackcaps got off to a flyer through Devon Conway and Tim Seifert, but India’s spin twins, Kuldeep Yadav (2/35) and Varun Chakaravarthy, managed to keep the scoring in check during a disciplined middle phase.

Hardik Pandya also played a vital role, not just with his economical bowling but also by taking three sharp catches in the field. However, the visitors’ bowling department struggled to adapt to the heavy dew and the sheer aggression of the Indian batters, with Zakary Foulkes leaking 49 runs in his first two overs alone. The defeat leaves New Zealand in a desperate position, needing to win all three remaining matches to salvage the series. For India, the performance serves as a massive statement of intent ahead of the T20 World Cup, proving that no target is safe against their revamped, high-octane batting lineup.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: EXPLAINED: Why New Zealand players are wearing black armbands during IND v NZ 2nd T20I in Raipur

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