In a record-breaking performance at Raipur on 23 January 2026, India dismantled New Zealand by Seven wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Chasing a formidable target of 209, the Men in Blue made a mockery of the chase by reaching the finish line in just 15.2 overs. This sensational triumph rumbled on for half a century Ishan Kishi and captain Suryakumar YadavTurning a potentially difficult pursuit into a historic running festival.
Record breaking chase: India 0utclass New Zealand with the help of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav
The Indian run in Raipur will go down as one of the most impactful clinical displays in T20I history as they chased down 209 off 28 balls. After early dismissal Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma Kishan, who left India at 6/2, produced a breathtaking counter-attack that completely shut down the New Zealand bowling attack.
Kishan’s whirlwind 76 off 32 balls included 11 boundaries and four big sixes and reached his half-century in just 21 balls, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand. He found the perfect partner in Suryakumar, who silenced his critics with a magnificent, unbeaten 82/34* to record his first T20I fifty since 2024. The duo shared a 122-run stand that effectively ended the contest within the first ten overs, leaving the Kiwi bowlers with no reply. Even after Kishan left Shivam Dubey (15 off 32) ensured there were no further hiccups and finished the game in about five overs. This win stands as the highest target successfully chased by India and the most outstanding target among Full Member countries with 200+ points.
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New Zealand’s valiant efforts were overshadowed in Raipur
In the evening, New Zealand’s batsmen put together what looked like a winning total of 208/6, only to see an overhaul in record time. Rachin Ravindra (44) and Mitchell Santner (47) were the pillars of the Kiwi innings, punishing the Indian pacers in the middle and passing their side at the death to cross the 200-run mark. The Blackcaps are off to a flyer Devon Conway and Tim Seifertbut India’s spin twins, Kuldeep Yadav (2/35) and Varun Chakrabortymanaged to keep the scores in check in the disciplined middle stages.
Hardik Pandya also played an important role not only with his economical bowling but also with three sharp catches in the field. However, the visitors’ bowling department struggled to adjust to the heavy dew and the open aggression of the Indian batters. Zachary Foulkes he leaked 49 runs in his first two overs alone. The defeat leaves New Zealand in a desperate position, needing to win all three remaining matches to salvage the series. For India, this performance serves as a huge statement of intent ahead of the T20 World Cup, proving that no target is safe against their revamped, high-octane batting line-up.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
6/2 in 200+ chase, game won in 28 balls 🤯 Well played @ishankishan51 and @surya_14kumar 👏👏 What a statement by Team India 💪#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/Yq1F497cWR
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 23, 2026
Ishan Kishan comes well at the perfect time. Great omens for Team India #T20WorldCup #INDvNZ
— S. Badrinath (@s_badrinath) January 23, 2026
Surya Kumar Yadav is back in form. Team India is chasing the 200 target like child’s play.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 23, 2026
It was a bit of a run! Ishan Kishan and SKY fought as if on steroids. Vital hits both individually and for the team going to the world championship.
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 23, 2026
Ishan Kishan is no less than a bazooka – such a beautiful form!#IndvsNZ
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 23, 2026
Ishan Kishi’s best quality is that he attacks all bowlers equally without fear or hesitation
— “MAN” (@SeemsOver) January 23, 2026
India cruise to a 7-wicket win in 4.4 overs, captain SKY leads the way with his first T20I fifty since 2024 and finishes with 82* off 37.#INDvNZ
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 23, 2026
Let SKY dance! ✨🔥
7️⃣0️⃣* and leading! 💪#WhistlePod #INDvNZ
📷 : BCCI pic.twitter.com/UbRr26gv4y— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 23, 2026
Ab jersey dena, Ishan bhai! 🥹🫶#INDvNZ #IshanKishan pic.twitter.com/rpRrX4g9rR
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 23, 2026
Team India chased down 209 runs in just 15.2 overs
2-0 in this series 🌟#cricket #INDvsNZ #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/kBcLuTsGoV
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 23, 2026
Also READ: EXPLANATION: Why New Zealand players wear black armbands during IND v NZ 2nd T20I in Raipur
