Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy guide India to four-wicket win over New Zealand
Tilak Varma's unbeaten 51 helped India chase 181 and take a 2-0 lead against New Zealand in Christchurch.
India chased 181 to beat New Zealand by four wickets in the second T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, with Tilak Varma finishing unbeaten on 51 and Nitish Kumar Reddy on 26 not out. The pair added 69 for the seventh wicket after India had slipped to 70 for 5 — a partnership that turned what looked like a collapse into a series-clinching win. India now leads the three-match series 2-0.
On the same day, India A's unofficial Test at Lincoln told a different story. Simon Keene took 5 for 24 as India A were bowled out for 113, while New Zealand A reached 135 for 3. KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, and Dhruv Jurel were among five India A batters who fell for ducks.
The third T20I moves to Wellington; the India A match continues at Lincoln.
CricHubb Take
The gap isn't just about technique — it's about temperament under pressure. Varma and Reddy stayed composed when it mattered; India A's top order folded against disciplined bowling. That separation between teams playing for pride versus players fighting for Test spots might matter more than any age or experience difference.