India’s dominant 7-wicket thrashing of New Zealand in the second T20I at Raipur had Ishan Kishan as the star performer, but Simon Doull believes he could have achieved greatness. The commentator lamented Kishan’s dismissal, just 24 runs from what would have been his maiden T20I century.
On air, Doull gushed, ‘What a knock from Ishan! He had the match in his pocket for a massive hundred. His power-hitting, 360-degree shots, and that ODI double ton show his class.’ After a shaky start losing openers early, Kishan’s partnership with skipper Suryakumar flipped the script, with ferocious batting that rattled New Zealand.
That pull shot off Sodhi – dipping into the blockhole then launched over mid-wicket – was vintage Kishan. India’s scoring never dipped, a key factor in their chase success.
With Tilak Varma sidelined, Kishan grabbed his chance post a poor Nagpur outing. At number three, 76 off 32 (11×4, 4×6) showcased his return to form. Out when victory was 81 away, more restraint might have delivered the ton.
Suryakumar’s unbeaten 82 (37 balls) and Dube’s 36* (18) wrapped up the 209 chase in 15.2 overs. Kishan’s Man of the Match award underscores his pivotal role in leveling the series.