India’s chase of 181 runs took another major hit during the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The visitors struggled to maintain momentum after losing early wickets, with New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner leading the attack with a brilliant spell of spin bowling.

Santner added Axar Patel to his list of victims through an outstanding piece of fielding from Finn Allen and Daryl Mitchell. The two New Zealand fielders combined brilliantly near the boundary to complete a crucial catch and deepen India’s troubles in the run chase.

Finn Allen and Daryl Mitchell combine to dismiss Axar Patel

The dismissal came in the 11th over when Axar stepped out and lofted Santner’s delivery down the ground. The ball looked set to clear the boundary, but Allen ran across from long-on and managed to grab it. Realising he was about to go over the ropes, Allen flicked the ball back into play towards Mitchell, who was converging on the catch.

Mitchell held on to the ball to complete the dismissal, producing a superb team effort that left Axar walking back to the pavilion. Axar scored 11 runs off nine deliveries, including one six. The wicket gave New Zealand another important breakthrough at a time when India needed a strong partnership to stay in the contest.

Here’s the video:

Axar looks to go big, but the Kiwis pull off a stunning relay catch to send him back! 👏

Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand, 2nd T20I LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels, Sony LIV & Sony Vizha.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/virCCZ9UCo

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) October 24, 2026

Also NZ vs IND [WATCH]: Prince Yadav cleans up Finn Allen with a superb delivery in 2nd T20I

Mitchell Santner puts New Zealand in control

Santner was the standout bowler for New Zealand, exploiting the conditions to dismantle India’s middle order. He dismissed Naman Dhir after the batter scored a quickfire 31 off 17 balls, breaking India’s attempt to fight back. India had already lost debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi for four and captain Shreyas Iyer for seven.

Abhishek Sharma contributed 27 off 21 deliveries, while Sanju Samson made 14 before Santner continued to apply pressure. The New Zealand captain finished with figures of 4/21 from his four overs. With Axar’s wicket adding to India’s problems, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy were left with the task of keeping the chase alive as the visitors pursued the target of 181.

Also WATCH: Mitchell Santner pumps his fists in celebration after dismissing Shreyas Iyer during NZ vs IND 2026 2nd T20I

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.