INDIA CHASE 209 IN STYLE, TAKE COMMANDING 2-0 LEAD

Chasing a daunting 209-run target, the hosts started on a poor note

- AGENCIES

Indian cricket team

Blistering performances by left-handed batter Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav, and a cameo from all-rounder Shivam Dube helped India to thrash New Zealand by seven wickets in a high-scoring contest at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Friday.

With this commanding win, the Men in Blue have a 2-0 lead in the high-voltage five-match T20I series against the Black Caps. Earlier, the hosts won the opening contest by 48 runs, with opener Abhishek Sharma winning the Player of the Match for his blistering half-century.

Chasing a daunting 209-run target, the hosts started on a poor note. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson departed in the very first over. Speedster Matt Henry removed Samson for just six runs.

In the very next over, World No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma, who won the Player of the Match Award in the first T20I, departed for a golden duck. Pacer Jacob Duffy removed the Indian opener as the hosts slumped to 8/2.

However, Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav began playing counterattacking cricket as India reached 54/2 in the fifth over.