Santner, Ravindra Fire as New Zealand Post 208 Against India in Raipur

Resilient batting from captain Mitchell Santner and an aggressive middle-order assault by Rachin Ravindra powered New Zealand to a competitive 208 for 6 in the second T20 International against India at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Friday.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, entered the contest holding a 1–0 advantage in the series after a dominant win in the opener, where Abhishek Sharma’s explosive half-century set the tone. Asked to bat first, the Black Caps wasted no time in signalling intent.

Explosive Start, Then Wickets

New Zealand launched their innings at full throttle, punishing the Indian attack early. Arshdeep Singh’s opening over went for 18 runs, equalling the most expensive first over by an Indian bowler in T20Is. The visitors surged to 43 without loss in three overs, putting immediate pressure on the hosts.

The breakthrough arrived when Harshit Rana removed Devon Conway, who struck 19 off just nine balls, ending the opening stand. Momentum briefly swung India’s way as Varun Chakaravarthy struck soon after, with Tim Seifert departing for a quick 24 following a sharp catch by Ishan Kishan at midwicket.

At the end of the powerplay, New Zealand stood at 64 for 2, still well ahead of the run rate.

India Pull Things Back

India tightened the screws through the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav accounted for the dangerous Glenn Phillips, while Shivam Dube chipped in with the wicket of Daryl Mitchell, slowing the scoring rate.

The dismissal of Rachin Ravindra, caught off Kuldeep’s bowling after a blistering 44 off 26 balls, left New Zealand wobbling at 132 for 5, despite having crossed the halfway mark briskly.

Hardik Pandya added to the pressure by removing Mark Chapman, reducing the visitors to 155 for 5 after 16 overs and briefly opening the door for India to restrict the total.

Santner’s Calm Finish

Just as India sensed control, Mitchell Santner took charge at the death. The New Zealand skipper played a composed yet impactful unbeaten knock of 47 from 27 deliveries, expertly rotating strike before finding the boundaries late on.

He found able support from Zakary Foulkes, whose quick 15 not out off eight balls ensured New Zealand finished strongly, pushing the total past the 200-mark to set India a stiff chase of 209.

Indian Bowlers

India’s wickets were shared across the attack, with Kuldeep Yadav (2/35) the standout. Hardik Pandya (1/25), Harshit Rana (1/35), Varun Chakaravarthy (1/35) and Shivam Dube (1/7) also chipped in.

With the visitors posting a formidable total, the spotlight now shifts to India’s batting unit as they chase a target that promises a high-octane finish in Raipur.

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