India scripted a spectacular chapter in T20I history with a record-breaking run chase in Raipur on Friday (January 23), overpowering New Zealand in the
second T20I to take a significant 2-0 lead in the series.
In a breathtaking display of aggressive batting, the Men in Blue hunted down a challenging target of 209 in just 15.2 overs, securing a commanding seven-wicket victory with 28 balls to spare. This chase shattered Pakistan's previous record for the fastest successful pursuit of a 200-plus total by a full-member nation in T20Is.
The Indian innings got off to a shaky start, slumping to 6/2 in the first couple of overs, but the middle order turned the game on its head with explosive counter-attacking. Ishan Kishan unleashed a blistering 76 off 32 balls, including a record-breaking fastest fifty against New Zealand by an Indian, as he reached the landmark in just 21 deliveries. His aggressive strokeplay set the platform, while captain Suryakumar Yadav ended a 468-day wait for a T20I fifty with a masterful unbeaten 82 off 37 balls. The duo forged a match-winning 122-run partnership that dismantled the Kiwi bowling attack and sealed the deal in style.
New Zealand had earlier posted 208/6 in their allotted 20 overs, with contributions from their middle order pushing them past the 200-run mark. However, India's clinical chase overshadowed everything, marking their joint-highest successful T20I run chase ever (equalling their previous 209 against Australia in 2023).
The Indian team has also now chased down a total of 200+ runs six times, which puts them 2nd in the list behind Australia, who have achieved it seven times.
India's 200+ Run Chases in T20I Cricket
209 - vs New Zealand, Raipur (2026)
209 - vs Australia, Vizag (2023)
208 - vs West Indies, Hyderabad (2019)
207 - vs Sri Lanka, Mohali (2009)
204 - vs New Zealand, Auckland (2020)
202 - vs Australia, Rajkot (2013)
