NZ vs IND, 2nd T20I: Tilak-Nitish steer India to four-wicket win after middle-overs woes in last over thriller (Image: ANI)
Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy produced a remarkable late counterattack as India recovered from a top-order collapse to beat New Zealand by four wickets in the second T20I on Saturday, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing 181, India were staring at defeat after slipping to 112/6 in the 15th over, with New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner having ripped through the middle order with a four-wicket haul. With nearly 70 runs required in the final five overs and only four wickets remaining, the visitors appeared to have the contest firmly under control. However, Tilak and Nitish turned the game on its head with a composed yet aggressive partnership, guiding India home at 181/6 in 19.5 overs. Tilak remained unbeaten on 51 off just 26 deliveries, striking six fours and a six, while Nitish contributed an unbeaten 26 to complete a memorable rescue act. The dismissal of Naman Dhir, who scored a valuable 31, proved to be a major turning point as Santner continued to tighten his grip on the game.
India’s top order failed to build on the promising start to the chase, allowing New Zealand to claw their way back into the contest.