Ishan Kishan’s 76-run stand and Suryakumar’s 82-run stand and Hardik Pandya’s historic milestone in the 2nd T20I against New Zealand in Raipur. Detailed report and statistics.
The Indian cricket team, facing the T20 World Cup, seems to have found all the missing pieces of the jigsaw puzzle! The second T20 match against New Zealand at Raipur was not just a victory, but a clear message – ‘Team India’ is ready. And the craftsmen of this message are Ishan Kishan, who has been out of the team for a year and a half, captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has regained his lost rhythm, and an evergreen all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
The initial shock and then the triumph of the ‘devastating’ pair
India’s start was like a nightmare with a fairly daunting target of 208 runs. Sanju Samson went back in the second ball of the first over. Then in 1.1 overs when Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for naught, the scoreboard said 2 wickets for 6 runs. Silence descended on the entire stadium. But perhaps this is where the magic of cricket lies! When everyone thought the match was in New Zealand’s pocket, just then ‘disobedient boy‘ Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav came on the field.
They not only rescued the match, but also blew away the New Zealand bowlers as if it was a net session! They built an unbeaten partnership of 122 runs for the third wicket. Six after six, four after four – the sky of Raipur seemed to hear the new music of cricket.
Ishan Kishan: ‘Religious’ return to the national team
A year and a half wait, relentless performance in domestic cricket – all paid off in a beautiful 32-ball innings. Ishan Kishan didn’t just score 76 runs, he paved the way for a strong match win. His blistering innings included 11 fours and 4 sixes. He reached his half-century in just 21 balls, which is India’s fastest fifty against New Zealand. The previous record was held by Abhishek Sharma (22 balls). Ishan’s innings was a testament to the mentality of a fighter – the more you keep him out, the stronger he will come back.
Suryakumar Yadav: ‘Mr 360’ returns when he was needed the most
The responsibility of captaincy, along with a long period of batting form – Suryakumar Yadav was under a lot of pressure than usual. But true champions turn pressure into stepping stones to success. After 468 days, he played a dazzling half-century in T20 Internationals (82* off 37 balls). That old ‘lap’ shot, that brave play returned to his innings. The return of such form from the captain of the team before the World Cup is the biggest achievement for the Indian camp.
Hardik Pandya: Leaving behind two greats in one match
While everyone was engrossed in the batting prowess of Ishan-Suryakumar, another historic event happened in a blink of an eye. This match was Hardik Pandya’s 126th T20 International. With this number, he surpassed Virat Kohli (125 matches) to become the second most capped player for India in T20Is. Now, there is only one name ahead of him – Rohit Sharma (159 matches).
Hardik has not only set a record for appearances, but has also established the statistics of a unique all-rounder icon.
Hardik Pandya’s T20 International stats:
| Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches | 126 |
| Runs | 2027 runs |
| Highest Score | 71* (not out) |
| Batting Average | 25.98 |
| Strike Rate | 142.17 |
| Wickets | 102 |
| Best Bowling | 4/38 |
| Bowling Average | 26.05 |
A ray of hope in the Indian camp ahead of the World Cup
While India’s win in this match gave them a 2-0 lead in the 5-match series, the real victory lay elsewhere. Ahead of the T20 World Cup, India got:
- A lethal opening option (Ishan Kishan).
- A confident captain (Suryakumar Yadav).
- A premium all-rounder (Hardik Pandya) with experience and in form.
Reaching the target of 209 runs in 15.2 overs (with 28 balls remaining) is not just a record, it is a manifestation of the team’s power and confidence. Destroying the New Zealand bowling attack like this will boost the team’s morale.
This match in Raipur was like a full moon – which simultaneously lit up many stars. Ishan Kishan’s comeback, Suryakumar Yadav’s return to form and Hardik Pandya touching a milestone – all in all, it was a bright night for Indian cricket. Such a performance on the eve of the T20 World Cup will surely give the team an indomitable motivation. The rest of the series and the upcoming World Cup – cricket fans are now waiting for that thrill. Read more
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