India won by four wickets with one ball remaining against New Zealand in the second T20I on Saturday, October 24, with Player of the Match Tilak Varma leading their batting effort with 51. Chasing 181, India reached 181/6 in 19.5 overs despite Mitchell Santner’s outstanding four-wicket haul, extending their lead in the five-match T20I series to 2-0.

Phillips and Jacobs power New Zealand to 180

Glenn Phillips provided the biggest contribution of the match with 70, while Bevon Jacobs added 58 as New Zealand posted 180/5 from their 20 overs. Their individual contributions supplied 128 runs between them, giving the hosts the bulk of a competitive total. Finn Allen contributed 16.

Arshdeep Singh led India’s wicket-taking effort with two wickets. Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy took one apiece, helping keep New Zealand to a target India would eventually overhaul by the narrowest of margins in terms of deliveries remaining.

Tilak leads India’s chase as Santner threatens

Tilak’s 51 was India’s highest score and earned him the Player of the Match award. Naman Dhir contributed 31 and Abhishek Sharma made 27, providing important support in a chase that stretched into the final over.

Santner was New Zealand’s outstanding bowler, returning 4/21 from four overs. His four wickets accounted for two-thirds of India’s dismissals, keeping the contest alive despite the visitors’ batting contributions.

Matt Henry also exerted pressure with 0/11 from two overs, including a maiden. Nathan Smith took 1/34 from three overs, while Jacob Duffy finished with 1/41 from 3.5 overs. Lockie Ferguson returned 0/37 from three overs and Michael Bracewell 0/35 from four.

Ultimately, India reached the target with four wickets intact and just one delivery unused. It was another tight finish after their four-wicket victory with two balls remaining in the opening T20I on October 22.

Key performers

  • Tilak Varma: 51 runs, India’s highest score and the Player of the Match contribution.
  • Glenn Phillips: 70 runs, the highest individual score of the match.
  • Bevon Jacobs: 58 runs in New Zealand’s 180/5.
  • Naman Dhir and Abhishek Sharma: 31 and 27 runs respectively in India’s successful chase.
  • Mitchell Santner: 4/21 from four overs, the match’s outstanding bowling figures.
  • Arshdeep Singh: Two wickets, leading India’s wicket-taking returns.

NerdSports Stat: Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs supplied 128 of New Zealand’s 180 runs — 71.1% of the total — outscoring all their teammates and extras combined by 76 runs.

India extend their lead, but the series remains open

This result extends India’s T20I series lead to 2-0 rather than deciding the contest. Both victories have come by four wickets, with a combined three balls remaining across the two successful chases.

The third T20I takes place on Tuesday, October 27, when India can secure the five-match series. Further T20Is follow on October 30 and November 1. The tour then moves to four ODIs on November 3, 6, 9 and 12, followed by Tests starting on November 18 and 26.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between New Zealand and India?

India won the match by four wickets with one ball remaining, reaching 181/6 in reply to New Zealand’s 180/5.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Tilak Varma was named Player of the Match for his 51 runs in India’s successful chase.

What is the series standing after this match?

India lead the five-match T20I series 2-0 after successive four-wicket victories. Three T20Is remain.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Glenn Phillips top-scored with 70 runs for New Zealand.

When is the next match in the series?

New Zealand face India in the third T20I on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.