Irfan Pathan backs Nitish Kumar Reddy for longer India run after Christchurch rescue

Reddy makes his mark in a tense chase

Irfan Pathan has backed Nitish Kumar Reddy for a longer run across formats after the all-rounder helped India complete a dramatic four-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20I in Christchurch.

Reddy struck an unbeaten 26 from 13 balls, including a four and a six, as India chased down New Zealand’s 180 for five with one ball remaining. He also took the wicket of Bevon Jacobs during a three-over spell that cost 31 runs, finishing with figures of 1 for 31.

India recover from 112 for six

The chase had looked in serious trouble after India slipped from 40 without loss to 70 for five, with Mitchell Santner taking four wickets. India were later reduced to 112 for six before Naman Dhir’s brisk 31 from 17 balls helped revive the innings.

Reddy and Tilak Varma then added an unbeaten 69 from 30 deliveries to seal the result. Tilak finished on 51 not out from 26 balls, while Reddy struck the winning runs. The victory gave India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Pathan sees growing all-round confidence

Pathan pointed to Reddy’s regular bowling and his ability to contribute under pressure as signs of progress. “Nitish Kumar Reddy certainly growing in confidence as an all rounder this trip. Bowling regularly and now this inning of 26 not out under pressure gives him and team management confidence to give him longer run in all format,” he wrote on X.

Reddy’s dismissal of Jacobs came after the New Zealand batter had shared a 116-run fourth-wicket partnership with Glenn Phillips, who made 70. Jacobs scored 58 from 46 balls as New Zealand recovered from 41 for three to post 180 for five.