IND vs NZ 2nd T20I: India’s Bowlers Claim Three Early Wickets, Put New Zealand On Back Foot | WATCH

India’s bowlers made an early impact in the second T20I against New Zealand, reducing the hosts to 43/3 in the powerplay at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday. Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Prince Yadav picked up a wicket each as India seized control after winning the toss and opting to bowl first.

New Zealand, who scored 225/4 in the series opener, struggled to build another strong start as India struck at regular intervals. The early breakthroughs put pressure on the home side’s batting line-up and gave the visitors an encouraging start in their bid to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. 

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Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar Strike Early

Arshdeep Singh provided India with the first breakthrough in the second over, dismissing wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert for seven off six deliveries. Seifert was caught by Tilak Varma, leaving New Zealand at 9/1 after 1.3 overs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar then struck in the third over to remove Daryl Mitchell for six off five balls. Mitchell was caught by Tilak Varma, who took his second catch of the innings, as New Zealand slipped to 18/2 at the end of 2.6 overs.

The early wickets put the hosts under pressure, forcing their middle order to rebuild before accelerating later in the innings.

Prince Yadav Gets Finn Allen

Prince Yadav delivered another important blow in the sixth over, dismissing opener Finn Allen for 16 off 14 deliveries. The right-arm pacer bowled a full delivery at the stumps, and Allen missed his attempted paddle sweep as the ball crashed into the leg stump.

The wicket came in Prince’s first over of the tour and reduced New Zealand to 41/3 after 5.2 overs. Prince conceded just three runs in the over while claiming the crucial wicket.

At the end of the powerplay, New Zealand were 43/3, with Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs at the crease. Phillips was batting on 10 off nine balls, while Jacobs had scored one run off two deliveries.

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India Look To Maintain Pressure

India entered the second T20I with confidence after chasing down New Zealand’s 225-run target in the opening match to register a four-wicket victory.

Sanju Samson’s 67 off 33 balls, Shreyas Iyer’s 42 and Naman Dhir’s unbeaten 42 off 15 deliveries helped India complete the record chase.