IND vs NZ: 2nd T20I Review – India secure series with dominant win

India defeated New Zealand in the 2nd T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on November 19 by seven wickets. The hosts had a convincing victory as they chased down the total in just 17.2 overs, clinching the series 2-0 with a game to be played.

Earlier in the evening, Rohit Sharma won another vital toss and elected to field first. New Zealand got off to a great start inside the powerplay, adding 64 in the first 6 overs. However, the Indian bowlers managed to pull things back with some tight bowling. Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel combined to deliver an eight-over spell, in which they gave only 47 runs and picked up 2 wickets between them.

Harshal shines on debut

Martin Guptill was the first one to fall after hitting a fiery 15-ball 31 that included 3 fours and 2 sixes. His partner Daryl Mitchell though, looked confident as ever for a big score. Fortunately for India, their debutant Harshal Patel struck gold. He also got rid of a dangerous Glenn Phillips (34 off 21 balls) and swung the momentum back in India’s favour. New Zealand eventually finished with a total of 153/6.

The Indian openers continued their form from the previous game, adding a 117-run partnership to start off the chase. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma both brought up their respective half-centuries to put India in cruise control. Being set just 154 to chase, it was a walk in the part for the batsmen that followed. The New Zealand bowlers proved to be expensive, barring captain Tim Southee who picked up all 3 Indian wickets.

Top performances

Harshal Patel: Harshal used all his experience on bowling on Indian pitches and delivered a perfect debut spell. He executed the slower balls and off-cutters exactly how he had done in the 2021 IPL. Patel picked up the crucial wickets of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips and conceded only 25 runs in his 4 overs.

Rohit-Rahul opening stand: The new T20I skipper and his deputy have been in superb form batting at the top of the order. Their stands have been the foundation of India’s success since their loss in the T20 World Cup against New Zealand. The pair put together 117 runs in 13.2 overs, which laid the perfect platform for the chase.

Personal records/achievements

• This was the 5th consecutive 50-plus opening stand between Rahul and Rohit. Only Vusi Sibanda & Hamilton Masakadza have more (6) in a row
• Rohit and Rahul have now equalled the record for the most 50+ stands in T20Is with Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien. Both the pairs have 13 fifty-plus stands

Both teams will now travel to Kolkata to play the third and final T20I at the Eden Gardens on November 21.