India vs New Zealand: Rohit Sharma equals Virat Kohli’s record with most 50-plus scores in T20I cricket

India captain Rohit Sharma equaled Virat Kohli’s record for most 50-plus scores in the shortest format after India’s 7-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday.

Rahul added 117 off 80 balls with Rohit Sharma as India posted 155-3 in reply to New Zealand’s 153-6. Rahul scored 50 runs in 39 balls and hit six fours and two sixes. Sharma scored 55 runs in 36 balls, which included one four and five sixes.

Their scintillating opening partnership paved the way for India’s major win at the JSCA International Stadium. The hosts have taken a 2-0 lead in three matches.

IND vs NZ, 2nd T20I: report

Sharma’s 29th half-century in T20 Internationals brought him on par with compatriot Virat Kohli, who has been rested from the series.

Rahul scored his 16th T20 fifty.

Rishabh Pant finished the game with two sixes in successive deliveries as India sealed the series with 16 balls to spare.

Stand-in captain Tim Southee scored 3-16 runs in his four overs.

Earlier, New Zealand finished with a bottom total after India were called to bat.

Martin Guptill (31) made another quick start with three fours and two sixes and scored 48 off 26 balls with Daryl Mitchell (31).

But other top New Zealand batsmen failed to score big as the team went from 90-3 to 140-6 in 18 balls.

Mark Chaman made 21 off 17 balls and Glenn Phillips scored 34 runs in 21 balls with the help of one four and three sixes.

Debutant Harshal Patel scored 2-25 runs in four overs. Ravichandran Ashwin took 1-19.