Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy shine as India pull off thrilling win over New Zealand in second T20I

India pulled off a stunning four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20I at Christchurch, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Chasing a competitive target of 181, the visitors recovered from a precarious top-order collapse to get across the line with one ball to spare, finishing at 181 for 6 in 19.5 overs. The hero of the night was Tilak Varma, who scored a brilliant unbeaten 51 off 26 balls, well supported by all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy (26 off 13). Together, the pair forged an unbroken 69-run stand for the seventh wicket - a record for India in T20Is - to seal a dramatic win.

Phillips and Jacobs build New Zealand's total
Earlier, after being put into bat, New Zealand were pegged back early by Arshdeep Singh, who removed Tim Seifert in his opening spell. The hosts slipped early in the powerplay before Glenn Phillips (70 off 43) and Bevon Jacobs (58 off 46) resurrected the innings with a majestic 116-run fourth-wicket partnership. Their efforts lifted New Zealand to a respectable total of 180 for 5 in 20 overs. Arshdeep was the pick of the Indian bowlers with two wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar had another expensive day, conceding 50 runs from his four overs.

Top order wobbles in Christchurch
India's chase got off to an unusually sluggish start. Sanju Samson struggled to get going, playing out a maiden over against Matt Henry before eventually departing for 14 off 17 balls, caught off Jacob Duffy. Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, promoted to number three for the first time in his international career, managed just 4 off 8 balls before falling to Nathan Smith. As the middle order faltered in quick succession, India found themselves reeling at 70 for 5, putting New Zealand firmly in control.

Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy turn the tide
Naman Dhir provided crucial momentum with a punchy 31 off 17 balls, featuring three sixes, while Abhishek Sharma chipped in with 27. The game yet remained on a knife-edge with India needing 30 runs off the final two overs. Varma then launched a fierce assault on Nathan Smith in the 18th over, collecting a six and three boundaries to yield 18 runs and tilt the equation. Needing 11 off the final over bowled by Duffy, Varma and Reddy kept their composure, with Reddy running a tight two off the fifth ball to complete a sensational heist.