That India versus New Zealand T20 match in Raipur on January 23, 2026? Wow. India totally flipped the script on what T20 batting can be. Chasing 209 looked almost impossible when India was down 6 for 2, but they pulled off an insane comeback, winning with seven wickets left in just 15.2 overs. It was one of those nights where India just went for it, timed everything perfectly, and weren’t afraid to take risks.

This game wasn’t just about winning; it sent a message for the rest of the series. India’s up 2-0, New Zealand was stunned, and the crowd in Raipur got to see some seriously aggressive cricket.

New Zealand Started Hot

New Zealand came out swinging after being asked to bat. Devon Conway started strong against Arshdeep Singh in the first over, smashing some quick boundaries. Tim Seifert kept the pressure on, and New Zealand was flying during the powerplay. India’s bowlers were under the pump, and it looked like the visitors would score way over 200.

Rachin Ravindra held the innings together with a smooth 44 off 26 balls, mixing power and smart placement. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips kept the runs coming, keeping the pressure on. Even when they lost wickets, New Zealand kept trying to score big, which kept India on defense most of the time.

India Fought Back in the Middle

India got some breathing room in the middle overs thanks to Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube. Kuldeep got two important wickets with his variations, slowing New Zealand down. Dube got Mitchell out at a key moment by changing his pace, giving India a chance to get back in the game.

But Mitchell Santner made sure New Zealand finished strong. He stayed calm and hit some great shots, especially at the end, for an unbeaten 47 off 27 balls. Zak Foulkes also added some late boundaries, pushing New Zealand to a tough 208 for 6. Santner joked later that they probably needed 300, which didn’t seem so funny after what happened next.

India’s Horrible Start

India’s chase started terribly. Sanju Samson got out early, and then Abhishek Sharma went without scoring. At 6 for 2 in the first two overs, all the pressure was on India. The run rate was already going up, and New Zealand looked like they would win the series.

The crowd went from excited to nervous fast. Chasing 209 after that start needed something special, and India needed to hit back hard.

Ishan Kishan Goes Wild

Ishan Kishan was that special something. As soon as he found his groove, the game completely changed. Kishan went after Zak Foulkes, smashing every bad ball and putting New Zealand on the defensive. He got to his fifty in just 21 balls, with a bunch of sixes, fours, and total confidence.

Kishan’s innings wasn’t just fast, it was controlled. He broke down the bowling attack without taking silly risks, quickly bringing the run rate down during the powerplay. After six overs, India was already ahead of the required rate – an amazing turnaround.

Suryakumar Yadav Back in Form

While Kishan was going crazy early on, Suryakumar Yadav played it cool, supporting him before taking over. He handled the pressure and then started hitting his usual innovative shots. He finished with an unbeaten 82 off 37 balls, showing he’s back in top form.

Suryakumar was on fire. Sweeps, ramps, drives – he hit everything perfectly. He got to his fifty in just 23 balls, his first in 24 T20I innings, and kept the momentum going after Kishan got out. He and Shivam Dube finished the chase easily.

Record Broken!

India chasing 209 became their highest successful chase in T20I history (tied). The fact that they did it after being 6 for 2 made it even more awesome. The match ended with 28 balls left, showing how dominant India’s batting was.

For New Zealand, it was a night they want to forget. Zak Foulkes gave up 67 runs, the most ever by a New Zealand bowler in a T20I innings, showing how badly India took advantage of any mistakes.

What We Learned

This match had some big moments. Ishan Kishan got Player of the Match, showing how much of an impact he made. Suryakumar Yadav getting back in form was also great for India, especially with bigger tournaments coming up.

India also went up 2-0 in the series, showing they’re tough to beat at home. For New Zealand, Santner’s leadership and Ravindra’s consistency were positives, even though they lost.

What People Are Talking About

There weren’t many controversies, but people questioned New Zealand’s bowling plans. Why did they keep using Foulkes after he was getting hit everywhere? And why didn’t they set more defensive fields when Kishan and Suryakumar got comfortable?

People also talked about the dew. It did help the batting in the second innings, but India’s attitude and how well they played were what really stood out. Most people think New Zealand slowing down in the middle overs cost them at least 20 or 30 runs, which made a big difference.

My Thoughts

This match showed how playing without fear can win you games, even when the pressure is on. Ishan Kishan’s innings was one of the most incredible T20I innings I’ve seen in a while. Coming in at 6 for 2, he turned the whole match around in minutes.

Suryakumar Yadav was just as important. He showed he can be mature, patient, and change his game when needed – all the things that make a great T20 batter. I think this partnership is a sign of how India will approach T20 batting in the future.

Even though New Zealand scored over 200, they didn’t have an answer once India got going. They couldn’t get wickets in the middle overs and gave away too many extras.

What’s Next?

India will probably keep backing Ishan Kishan at the top, and he looks ready for more big starts. Suryakumar Yadav seems ready for a great run in the rest of the matches, and Shivam Dube could become even more important as a finisher.

For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner will be key players. I expect them to change their bowling tactics, especially in high-pressure overs. The next matches will test how tough they are, but they could definitely bounce back.

Final Word

That India vs New Zealand T20 game was more than just a match; it was a statement. India showed how quickly a game can change if you just go for it and believe. Kishan and Suryakumar put on a show that people will be talking about for years.

As the series goes on, this match will be remembered as the moment India took control and showed how exciting and unpredictable T20 cricket can be.