Team India on Friday (November 19) registered a convincing seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20I at Ranchi to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
Asked to bat first, the visitors posted a modest 153/6 in 20 overs. It was an average batting performance from the Kiwis as no one managed to score a half-century. Glenn Phillips was the top scorer with 21-ball 34.
Debutant Harshal Patel was the stand-out bowler for India, claiming two wickets by conceding 25 runs in his four overs. The spin duo of R Ashwin (1-19) and Akshar (1-26) also returned with impressive figures.
In reply, the hosts rode on half-centuries from KL Rahul (65 off 49 balls) and skipper Rohit Sharma (55 off 36 balls) to overhaul the target with 16 balls to spare.
The pair of Rahul and Rohit added 117 runs for the opening wicket and after their dismissal, Venkatesh Iyer (12*) and Rishabh Pant (12*) completed the formalities to take India over the line.
Stand-in New Zealand captain Tim Southee took all the three wickets that fell in India’s innings and he finished with stunning figures of 3/16 in his four overs.
Cricket fraternity was impressed with India’s performance in the second T20I and lauded the team for clinching their first series under the new captain and coach.
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