India beat New Zealand, level series 1-1

Lucknow, The Gulf Observer: India held its nerve with the balls running out to level its three-match T20 series against New Zealand at 1-1 with a six-wicket victory on Sunday.

New Zealand failed to reach triple figures, managing only 99-8 after winning the toss and opting to bat first at Lucknow in the second Twenty20 game. India scored 101-4 in 19.5 overs in reply.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was his team’s top scorer with 19 not out from 23 deliveries. Medium quick Arshdeep Singh claimed 2-7 and legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal took 1-4, both from two overs, while Deepak Hooda and Kuldeep Yadav each returned 1-17 in four overs to help contain New Zealand.

India’s No. 4, Suryakumar Yadav, top-scored with 26 not out off 31 balls. He and captain Hardik Pandya (15 not out off 20) came together with India at 70-4 halfway through the 15th over and paced the chase effectively, leaving the team needing 18 runs to win with 18 balls left.

India required six more runs at the start of the 20th over, which was bowled by Blair Tickner. Home fans had a nervous wait before Yadav struck a winning four off the penultimate delivery.

Michael Bracewell took 1-13 in four overs for New Zealand.

India made one change to its team — Chahal in for pacer Umran Malik — while New Zealand opted for an unchanged side.

New Zealand won the first game at Ranchi by 21 runs.

The series decider is at Ahmedabad on Wednesday.