Auckland, Feb 8 (UNI) New Zealand defeated India in a nail-biting encounter by four wickets in the second T20I of the three-match series to get an unassailable lead of 2-0 here at Eden Park, on Friday.
The hosts managed to reach the target off the last ball of the game. The final match of the series is to be played on Sunday in Hamilton.
Chasing a small target of 136 runs, the hosts got off to a good start as the opening pair of Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates put on 33 runs in 4.4 overs.
Devine was the first batswoman to go for 19 runs off 16 balls. Radha Yadav gave India its first breakthrough.
Soon, right-arm off break bowler Deepti Sharma dismissed Caitlin Gurrey for four runs, reducing the White Ferns to 40/2 in 6.5 overs.
Then, the home side captain Amy Satterthwaite and Bates stitched together a partnership of 61 runs for the third wicket, helping the hosts to get past 100 runs mark.
Poonam Yadav dismissed Satterthwaite in the 15th over for 23 runs off 20 balls. Indian bowlers were quick to pick up three wickets, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.
Mansi Joshi and Deepti Sharma kept the things tight for the hosts till the very end. However, the Kiwis kept the score board ticking and achieved the target on the last ball, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Bates was the highest run-scorer from the hosts with 62 runs knock, while Satterthwaite scored 23 runs.
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