India registered a commanding 65-run win in the second T20I of the three-match series against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui on November 20, 2022. The win was thanks to an incredible century from Suryakumar Yadav and splendid bowling performances in middle overs.
Kane Williamson won the toss and chose to bowl first. Suryakumar Yadav made 111* in 51 balls with 11 fours and 7 sixes, while Ishan Kishan made 36 runs as India posted 191/6 in 20 overs. This was Suryakumar Yadav’s second T20I century with both coming in 2022 where he has scored 1151 runs in 30 matches thus far.
For New Zealand, Tim Southee took three wickets in what was his second hat-trick in T20Is.
In reply, Deepak Hooda picked 4/10, while Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal took two wickets apiece as apart from Kane Williamson (61) and Devon Conway (25), none of the other Kiwi batters could do much in the chase. New Zealand folded for 126 runs in 18.5 overs as India won by 65 runs to go 1-0 up in the series with one more match to go.
NZ v IND 2022: WATCH- Rishabh Pant interrupts Suryakumar’s interview to praise his incredible knock
After the win, Hardik Pandya told broadcasters: “Can't get any better than this. Everyone chipped it but it was surely a special innings by Surya. We would have taken a score of 170-175. Bowlers did well and it was about being aggressive in the mindset. It doesn't mean taking a wicket every ball, but being aggressive with the ball is important. The conditions were very wet, so credit to the bowlers. I have bowled a lot, going forward I want to see more bowling options.
Not always that this will work but I want more batters to chip in with the ball. I expect them to be professional, which they are. Give them the opportunity to enjoy themselves. It's about creating an environment where they are all in a happy space. I see many times in this team that all the players are happy for each other's success. And that's important. I don't know (about changes for the next game). I'd like to give everyone in the squad a chance but it's just one more game, so it's a bit tough.”
Player of the Match Suryakumar Yadav also shared his thoughts about his knock.
He said: “The plan was clear when I went into bat. At the 12th/13th over, we thought about batting deep and getting around 170-175 was a par score. Secret (behind his freak shots) is about the intent and you need to enjoy yourself. It's also about the work you do in the practice sessions. It's a great feeling coming here, having a full game and going 1-0 in the series feels good. I feel that I didn't think too much about what was happening. Just had my gameplan and it worked well. Fantastic crowd here.”
The third and final T20I will be played in Napier on November 22, Tuesday.
(Prime Video inputs)
