Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy rescue India to seal 2-0 series lead in Christchurch

India survive Santner scare to go 2-0 up

India pulled off a stunning four-wicket victory in the second T20I in Christchurch on Saturday, chasing down New Zealand's 180 for 5 in 19.5 overs after their middle order had been shredded by the home captain. The win gives the tourists a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Trouble at 112 for 6

Defending 180 for 5, Mitchell Santner turned the contest on its head once India's chase began to lose momentum. The left-arm spinner removed Abhishek Sharma for 27, with Nathan Smith taking the catch at deep midwicket, before sending back India captain Shreyas Iyer for seven with a delivery that deceived him through drift and flight as he attempted to slog across the line.

Santner followed it up by dismissing Axar Patel for 11, Daryl Mitchell completing an excellent relay catch near the boundary after Finn Allen intervened. He saved his best for Naman Dhir, who had briefly revived India's hopes with an aggressive 31 off 17 balls — the batter was tempted by a flighted delivery outside off and his attempted inside-out loft ended in the hands of Glenn Phillips at extra cover.

Dhir's dismissal in the 15th over left India reeling at 112 for 6, with the required rate climbing and New Zealand seemingly in control. Santner finished with 4 for 21, becoming the first bowler to register multiple four-wicket hauls against India in men's T20Is.

The 69-run stand that flipped the chase

India's response came from the seventh-wicket pair. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls, while Nitish Kumar Reddy struck an unbeaten 26 off just 13 deliveries. Their unbroken partnership of 69 runs off 30 balls transformed the contest and carried India past the target of 181.

New Zealand's captain had earlier seen his side post 180 for 5, a total that ultimately proved 20-25 runs short of what was needed on the night.

Familiar margin, familiar opponent

Four wickets has become a recurring winning margin for India against New Zealand. In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, as reported on 28 September 2026, India beat New Zealand by four wickets to lift the title, and Santner was gracious in defeat afterwards.

"I couldn't have asked for more from the group as a captain," Santner said at the time. "It was challenging to start, but I credit India for their approach. We were about 20-25 runs short, but the team's fighting spirit was evident, and I am happy with the effort shown."