Gautam Gambhir (BCCI Photo)
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy for their composure under pressure after India pulled off a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20I at Christchurch on Saturday.
Gambhir also acknowledged Naman Dhir's valuable contribution as India chased down a target of 181 with one ball to spare, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Tilak, Nitish hold their nerve after India's middle-order collapse
India appeared to be in control early in the chase, but the innings took a dramatic turn after the opening stand. From 40 without loss, the visitors slumped to 70/5 as New Zealand's spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell tightened their grip on the contest.
Santner was particularly effective, claiming four wickets to leave India struggling at 112/6 and firmly put the hosts in the driver's seat.Naman Dhir's quickfire 31 off 17 balls, featuring a four and three sixes, helped revive India's hopes. Tilak then took charge with an unbeaten 51 off 26 deliveries, striking six fours and a six, while Nitish played the supporting role with an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls, including a four and a six.
Following the match, Gambhir took to X and shared a brief but telling message: “Boys becoming Men”.
Phillips, Jacobs power New Zealand to 180/5
Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bowl, making early inroads to reduce New Zealand to 41/3 inside the powerplay.Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs then steadied the innings with a 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Phillips struck 70 off 46 balls, hitting four boundaries and four sixes, while Jacobs made 58 off 46 deliveries, with five fours and a six.Their recovery lifted New Zealand to 180/5 in 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh led India's bowling effort with figures of 2/33, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav and Nitish picked up a wicket each. India's late recovery with the bat ensured the hosts' total was not enough, as the visitors secured another win to move 2-0 ahead in the five-match series.