Sooryavanshi’s comeback lasts eight balls as New Zealand put India under pressure

Teenager falls for four in India’s chase of 181

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s return to India’s playing XI ended after just eight deliveries, as the 15-year-old made four runs in the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch.

Given an opportunity after Ishan Kishan was ruled out with a right adductor strain sustained in the series opener, Sooryavanshi was dismissed by Nathan Smith. The bowler angled a hard-length delivery across the left-hander; Sooryavanshi tried to drive expansively but failed to middle it, and Daryl Mitchell held the catch at cover.

India face a steep target

New Zealand, batting first, scored 180/5 in 20 overs to set India a target of 181. India were 83/5 after 12 overs, with Sooryavanshi and Shreyas Iyer among the wickets to fall.

Sooryavanshi had been out of the side since the 2026 Asian Games final against Pakistan, according to the report. He also missed all five T20Is against the West Indies and the opening match of this New Zealand series before returning to the XI in Christchurch.