Rohit Sharma became the highest run-scorer in Twenty20 International history on Friday as India romped to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20 in Auckland.
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Sharma top-scored for the tourist with 50 as India chased down New Zealand's modest 159-run target in 18.5 overs, levelling the three-match series at 1-1. Sharma's knock was his 16th T20 half-century.
His team dominated New Zealand with bat and ball to avenge an 80-run loss in the opening fixture in Wellington — India's heaviest ever T20 defeat.
Early wickets
Sharma, who is standing in as captain while Virat Kohli is rested, had demanded greater consistency ahead of the match. His bowlers responded with early wickets as Man-of-the-Match Krunal Pandya took three for 28 and India restricted New Zealand to 158 for eight.
Colin de Grandhomme gave the Black Caps some hope, hitting a maiden T20 half century off 27 balls as part of a 77-run partnership with Ross Taylor, who made 42.
But the host could not break the shackles and tight bowling at the death prevented it from taking advantage of Eden Park's short boundaries.
Flying start
India had no such problem in reply, making a flying start with Sharma leading the way. His 50 included four sixes and three fours off 28 balls. There was ample support from Shikhar Dhawan, who made 30, and Rishabh Pant, who made 40, as India made 162 for three without looking troubled.
The final match of the series is at Hamilton on Sunday.
PTI adds:
Rohit Sharma was satisfied with his team's performance. “[I'm] very pleased to see how we bowled, and we were quite clinical with the bat as well,” he said at the post-match presentation.
Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, said, “We missed a trick or two with the bat. It was slightly more tricky to bat, but 20 more runs at the death would have been better.”
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