Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy produced a remarkable late counterattack as India recovered from a top-order collapse to beat New Zealand by four wickets in the second T20I on Saturday, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series.Chasing 181, India were staring at defeat after slipping to 112/6 in the 15th over, with New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner having ripped through the middle order with a four-wicket haul. With nearly 70 runs required in the final five overs and only four wickets remaining, the visitors appeared to have the contest firmly under control.However, Tilak and Nitish turned the game on its head with a composed yet aggressive partnership, guiding India home at 181/6 in 19.5 overs. Tilak remained unbeaten on 51 off just 26 deliveries, striking six fours and a six, while Nitish contributed an unbeaten 26 to complete a memorable rescue act.
Santner puts New Zealand in control
New Zealand had done enough to put India under pressure after posting 180/5 in their 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh led India’s bowling effort with figures of 2/33, but Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs helped the hosts recover from an early collapse.New Zealand were reduced to 41/3 inside the powerplay before Phillips and Jacobs joined forces to add 116 runs for the fourth wicket, transforming the innings and setting India a challenging target.Phillips struck 70 off 43 balls, including four fours and four sixes, while Jacobs made 56 off 46 deliveries, with five fours and a six. Their partnership provided the foundation for New Zealand’s competitive total.Arshdeep was India’s most successful bowler, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav and Nitish Reddy picked up a wicket apiece.
India stumble before Tilak takes charge
India’s top order failed to build on the promising start to the chase, allowing New Zealand to claw their way back into the contest. The dismissal of Naman Dhir, who scored a valuable 31, proved to be a major turning point as Santner continued to tighten his grip on the game.The New Zealand skipper finished with outstanding figures of 4/21, leaving India struggling at 112/6 in the 15th over. At that stage, the equation appeared heavily tilted in New Zealand’s favour, with India needing close to 70 runs from the final five overs.The visitors needed someone to take responsibility, and Tilak answered the call.New Zealand, who had looked firmly in command after Santner’s dismissal of Dhir, struggled to contain the late assault. The pressure shifted dramatically as the Indian duo found momentum and brought the target within touching distance.Brief scores: New Zealand 180/5 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 70, Bevon Jacobs 56; Arshdeep Singh 2/33) lost to India 181/6 in 19.5 overs (Tilak Varma 51 not out, Naman Dhir 31, Nitish Kumar Reddy 26 not out; Mitchell Santner 4/21) by four wickets.
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