India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the second T20 International on October 24, 2026, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a target of 181 runs, India reached 181/6 in 19.5 overs, completing the chase with one ball remaining.
New Zealand had posted 180/5 in their allotted 20 overs after India elected to bowl first. The match featured strong batting performances from both sides before India’s lower-order partnership proved decisive.
Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs Power New Zealand
New Zealand made 180/5, led by Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs. Phillips scored 70 runs off 43 balls, while Jacobs contributed 58 off 46 deliveries. The pair added 116 runs, providing stability to the innings and strengthening New Zealand’s total.
Michael Bracewell added a quick 10 runs off two balls and remained unbeaten. For India, Arshdeep Singh took two wickets for 33 runs. Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed one wicket each.
Mitchell Santner Strikes as India Lose Wickets
India’s chase faced pressure as New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner claimed four wickets. India lost wickets during the middle overs, leaving the chase finely balanced.
Naman Dhir contributed 31 runs, helping India remain in contention. However, the match turned decisively through the partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy Finish the Chase
Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls, while Nitish Kumar Reddy scored an unbeaten 26 off 13 deliveries. The pair added 69 runs without losing a wicket in their partnership, guiding India to victory in 19.5 overs.
The four-wicket win gave India a 2-0 advantage in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.