T20I Series: In the second T20, played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, Suryakumar Yadav, who has unsurpassed skill in the shortest format, outperformed New Zealand by 65 runs. After Surya’s outstanding 111 not out off 51 balls, his second T20 century, India reached 191 for six. After New Zealand put the visitors in to bat, the 32-year-old, who was moved up to number three, toyed with the bowlers to help India reach a tough score. With ease, he smashed boundaries and sixes for his final 64 runs, which came off just 18 balls. His entertaining inning featured 11 fours and seven sixes, and his astounding 217.64 strike rate.
The New Zealand bowlers appeared unconcerned as Surya kept on stringing together spectacular hits.
As they kept losing wickets, the hosts never even tried to chase down the runs. After 18.5 overs, New Zealand was eventually bowled out for 126 runs.
After the first game was rained out, India now holds a 1-0 series advantage. The pivotal match will take place on Tuesday.
New Zealand suffered a setback when the dangerous Finn Allen attempted a wide drive off an outswinger from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and was caught at third man.
Despite putting together a 56-run stand with captain Kane Williamson (61 off 52) and opener Devon Conway (25 off 22), they were unable to get the big shots necessary to keep up with the demand.
Conway attempted to sweep Washington Sundar, but was stopped at deep backward square leg. Glenn Phillips, a heavy hitter, had to make a remarkable play to get New Zealand back into the match.
With a well-placed slog sweep off Yuzvendra Chahal that went all the way, he made his intentions known, but two balls later, the identical stroke proved to be his undoing.
The game was practically lost when New Zealand struggled to 89 for five in the fourteenth over.
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