Tilak Varma guides India to a heroic last ball victory

India clinched a dramatic four-wicket win against New Zealand off the final delivery in Christchurch on Saturday, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Chasing a target of 181, the visitors survived a sudden middle-order collapse, leaning on a match-winning 69-run partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Tilak remained unbeaten on 51 from 26 balls, striking six boundaries and a six, while Nitish contributed a crucial 26 not out off just 13 deliveries.

 

Openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson made a cautious start against Matt Henry before accelerating. Sanju was dismissed for 17, triggering a rapid slide that left India struggling at 40 for 1, and eventually 112 for 6. Mitchell Santner caused significant disruption during the middle overs, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 for 21. His tight bowling removed key batters, including skipper Shreyas Iyer for 11 and Axar Patel for a similar score, placing immense pressure on the incoming lower order. Historically, turning pitches in Christchurch test touring teams, making this successful chase notable.

Naman Dhir initiated the crucial counterattack against the spinners. He smashed a quickfire 31 off 17 balls, including three sixes, before falling to Santner. His aggressive intent shifted the momentum, allowing Tilak and Nitish to pace the final overs perfectly. Needing 54 runs from the final 24 balls, the duo capitalised on loose deliveries from Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith. Tilak reached his half-century in just 25 balls, taking control of the boundary hitting.

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Earlier in the day, the hosts recovered from a dismal start. Arshdeep Singh and Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck early, reducing the hosts to 43 for 3 during the powerplay. Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs then rescued the innings with a 116-run stand. Phillips scored an aggressive 70 off 46 balls, hitting four sixes, while Jacobs added 58. Their partnership propelled the total to a competitive 180 for 5, setting the stage for the dramatic second innings finish.

With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI