In a breathtaking display of T20 prowess, India scripted history in Raipur on Friday by chasing down a mammoth 209-run target against New Zealand with a staggering 28 balls to spare. This victory marks India as the full-member nation to achieve the quickest win while pursuing 200-plus runs in the shortest format.
The second T20I of the series saw New Zealand, batting first after losing the toss, post 208 for six. Captain Mitchell Santner top-scored with 47 off 27 balls, supported by Rachin Ravindra’s 44. India’s bowlers struck back effectively, with Kuldeep Yadav claiming two wickets, while Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Shivam Dube picked up one each.
Chasing 209, India wobbled early at 6 for 2. But Ishan Kishan unleashed fury, smashing 76 off 32 balls with 11 fours and 4 sixes. Captain Suryakumar Yadav then anchored the innings with an unbeaten 82 off 37 deliveries, guiding the team home alongside Shivam Dube’s unbeaten 36 off 18. The win came in just 15.2 overs.
This triumph catapults India to second place among teams with the most successful 200+ chases in T20Is, with six such victories now. Australia leads with seven, followed by South Africa (5), Pakistan (4), and England (3). Notably, Pakistan holds second in the fastest chases list with a 205-run pursuit against New Zealand in 2025, leaving 24 balls, while Australia managed 23 balls to spare against West Indies that year.
India’s previous high-octane chases include 209 against Australia in 2023, 208 vs West Indies in 2018, 207 against Sri Lanka in 2009, 204 vs New Zealand in 2020, and 202 against Australia in 2013. This record-breaking performance underscores India’s growing dominance in high-pressure T20 scenarios, sending a strong message ahead of future tournaments.