In Christchurch, India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20I at Hagley Oval on October 24, 2026, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The encounter was a rollercoaster that saw early blows, a fierce counter-attack from the Black Caps, an Indian top-order collapse, and finally a game-changing partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Match Score Summary
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
| New Zealand | 180/5 (20.0 ov) | Glenn Phillips (70 off 43), Bevon Jacobs (58 off 46), Arshdeep Singh (2/33) |
| India | 181/6 (19.5 ov) | Tilak Varma (51* off 26), Naman Dhir (31 off 17), Mitchell Santner (4/21) |
| Result | India won by 4 wickets (with 1 ball remaining) | Player of the Match: Tilak Varma |
New Zealand’s Innings: Phillips and Jacobs Lead the Recovery
After India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl, the Indian pace battery struck early. Arshdeep Singh dismissed Tim Seifert (7) inside the second over, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar accounted for Daryl Mitchell (6). When Prince Yadav removed the dangerous Finn Allen for 16, New Zealand were in deep trouble at 41/3 inside the powerplay.
From that precarious position, Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs stitched together a remarkable 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Phillips played an explosive knock, hammering 70 off 43 deliveries with four boundaries and four maximums. Jacobs served as an able partner, scoring a measured 58 off 46 balls to anchor the middle phase. Arshdeep returned late to break the stand by removing Phillips, but a brisk cameo from Michael Bracewell lifted the hosts to a formidable 180/5.
Santner’s Web Rattles the Indian Chase
India’s reply began with positive intent as Sanju Samson (14) and Abhishek Sharma (27) added 40 runs in under five overs before Samson fell to Jacob Duffy. Youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, making his presence felt after Ishan Kishan was sidelined with an injury, was dismissed cheaply for 4 by Nathan Smith.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner then turned the game on its head with an exceptional spell of left-arm orthodox bowling. Bowling with immaculate control, Santner ran through India’s middle order in quick succession, dismissing Abhishek Sharma, Shreyas Iyer (7), and Axar Patel (11). By the 11th over, India were reeling at 70/5, requiring 111 runs from just 55 deliveries on a slowing surface.
Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy Steal the Show
With the game slipping away, Naman Dhir injected urgent momentum with a fearless 31 off 17 balls, clearing the ropes three times to bring the asking rate back within reach. Although Santner picked up his fourth wicket by sending Dhir back at 112/6, it brought Nitish Kumar Reddy to the crease alongside Tilak Varma.
Tilak anchored the chase with maturity before accelerating into overdrive. He targeted the shorter boundaries, striking crisp drives and pulling short balls effectively. Reddy matched him stroke for stroke, demonstrating power-hitting with a boundary and a crucial six in his 26 not out off just 13 deliveries.
Together, the duo forged an unbeaten 69-run stand in just 30 balls. Tilak completed his half-century off 25 deliveries, finishing unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls. India crossed the target with one ball to spare, sealing an improbable comeback win that marked their 200th victory in T20 international cricket.