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

India captain Rohit Sharma on Friday equalled Virat Kohli’s record for the 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 put on 117 runs off 80 balls with Rohit Sharma as India scored 155-3 in response to New Zealand’s 153-6. Rahul hit six fours and two sixes as he reached 50 off 39 balls. Sharma scored 55 off 36 balls, including one four and five sixes.

Their sparkling opening partnership paved the way for India’s dominant win at a dew-soaked JSCA International Stadium. The hosts took a 2-0 lead in the three-match contest.

IND vs NZ, 2nd T20I: Report

Sharma’s 29th half century in T20 internationals brought him on par with compatriot Virat Kohli, who is rested from this series.

Rahul scored his 16th T20 half century.

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

Stand-in skipper Tim Southee finished with 3-16 in his four overs.

Earlier, New Zealand finished with a below-par total after India put them in to bat.

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

But the other top New Zealand batsmen failed to put up big scores the team went from 90-3 to 140-6 in the space of 18 deliveries.

Mark Chaman scored 21 off 17 balls and Glenn Phillips made 34 off 21 balls, with one four and three sixes.

Debutant Harshal Patel finished with 2-25 from four overs. Ravichandran Ashwin took 1-19.