[cricknation_live_score match=”‘Boys becoming Men’: Gautam Gambhir lauds India’s youngsters after gutsy 2nd T20I win vs New Zealand”]
- ‘Boys become men’: Gautam Gambhir praises Indian youngsters after gutsy second T20I win against New Zealand. India recovered from 70 for 5 to chase 181 and secure a four-wicket win at Hagley Oval, with Gambhir posting a three-word tribute to his young match-winners.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy and Tilak Varma.
- (Photo Source: BCCI) India registered a remarkable four-wicket win over New Zealand in the 2nd T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
‘Boys become men’: Gautam Gambhir praises Indian youngsters after gutsy second T20I win against New Zealand. India recovered from 70 for 5 to chase 181 and secure a four-wicket win at Hagley Oval, with Gambhir posting a three-word tribute to his young match-winners.
Nitish Kumar Reddy and Tilak Varma. (Photo Source: BCCI) India registered a remarkable four-wicket win over New Zealand in the 2nd T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Chasing a target of 181, the visitors found themselves in serious trouble at 70-5 in the 11th over after starting consistently at 40-0.
Three young batsmen then combined to get India over the line with a ball to play, securing a 2-0 lead in the series. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir marked the occasion by posting photos of Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir and Nitish Kumar Reddy on his X account after the match. His fiction said, “Boys become men.”
The three-word tribute was a direct nod to the achievements of three youngsters who turned the race around as the heats seemed to slip away. How India turned things around Naman Dhir came into the game during the crunch and scored 31 off 17 balls, hitting a four and three sixes. He was dismissed in the 15th over but his knock gave India the momentum they needed to stay in the race.
The 26-year-old Dhir batted at a strike rate that enabled batters to keep up with the required run rate. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who turned 23 in May, came in after Dhir’s dismissal and helped India complete the run alongside vice-ctain Tilak Varma. Reddy finished with 26 off 13 balls.
His contribution alongside Tilak Varma in the final overs proved crucial as India reached 181 for 6 in 19.5 overs. Gambhir’s tribute to X Tilak Varma, the 23-year-old, was named man of the match for his unbeaten 51 off 26 balls. He also had two catches in the field.
Tilak’s strike provided the final push after the top order collsed and he remained in contention as India crossed the finish line. Mitchell Santner was the pick of New Zealand bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 21 runs. For New Zealand with the bat, Glenn Phillips scored 70 while Jacobs contributed 58 as the hosts scored 180 for 5 in their 20 overs.
Arshdeep Singh was India’s most successful bowler, finishing the game with 2 wickets for 33 runs. Also Read: “India pull off a heist while New Zealand watches” – Dinesh Karthik on a thrilling finish in the 2nd T20I. The result gave India a 2-0 lead in the series. The win also continued the positive run of three-time T20 World Cup champions India, whose young players were under pressure in a high-scoring away campaign.
