Raipur T20I: Ishan on fire, Surya shines as India gun down 209 in record chase

Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav Power India to Record-Smashing Win Over New Zealand in Raipur

Ishan Kishan’s blistering 76 off 32 balls and Suryakumar Yadav’s first T20I fifty in 23 innings propelled India to a dominant 7-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20I at Raipur on Friday, January 23. The win gave India a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

India completed the chase of 209 in just 15.2 overs, setting a new world record for the fastest run-chase of a 200-plus total by a full-member side, breaking Pakistan’s previous mark of 16 overs against New Zealand in 2025. It was also the first time India successfully chased a 200-plus target under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching.

Record-Breaking Chase

Biggest T20I Wins (Full-Member, 200+ Target) Balls Remaining
India vs New Zealand, Raipur, 2026* 28
Pakistan vs New Zealand, Auckland, 2025 24
Australia vs West Indies, Basseterre, 2025 23

New Zealand had posted 208, but the pitch promised a run-fest. After a bright start, the Blackcaps failed to maintain momentum, allowing India to dominate. Early wickets from Matt Henry reduced India to 8/2, with Sanju Samson surviving a reprieve only to fall soon after, and Abhishek Sharma dismissed for a first-ball duck.

Kishan, however, turned the innings on its head. The Jharkhand batter, known for his fearless strokeplay, shredded Zak Foulkes for 24 runs in his first over, including three boundaries and a six. By the end of the powerplay, India was 75/2, with Kishan reaching his fifty in just 21 balls. Despite Ish Sodhi eventually dismissing him for 76, the outcome was already decided.

SKY Back in Form
Suryakumar Yadav finally ended his 468-day wait for a T20I fifty, finishing unbeaten on 82. Initially steady, he accelerated from the ninth over, dispatching Foulkes for boundaries and sixes, reaching fifty off just 23 balls. Alongside Shivam Dube, SKY added 81 off 37 balls, crushing New Zealand’s hopes.

New Zealand’s Missed Opportunities
The Blackcaps started well with Devon Conway and Tim Seifert scoring 43 off 20 balls. Rachin Ravindra, promoted to No.3, showed promise with a composed knock, but India’s deep batting lineup and aggressive intent proved too much. Mitchell Santner’s captaincy was questioned as he delayed bowling key overs to Matt Henry, allowing Kishan to capitalize. Santner also dropped Suryakumar in the 14th over, sealing the game.

Kuldeep Yadav provided a crucial revival with two wickets, but Santner’s 47 off 27 could not prevent India’s record-breaking chase.