Tilak Varma guides India over the line in thrilling T20I against New Zealand

Chasing a target of 181, India were deep in trouble and looked to be heading for defeat at 70-5 in the 11th over, before Varma found an able partner in Naman Dhir.

The visiting duo stitched together a 42-run partnership in 25 deliveries to India back track but Dhir was dismissed for 31, caught at extra-cover off the bowling of spinner Mitchell Santner.

Santner was having quite a day out as he claimed his fourth wicket of innings while he only conceded 21 runs in his four overs as the Black Caps looked on course to level the five-match series.

Nitish Kumar Reddy however proved to be the perfect foil for Varma with a match-winning stand of 69 that came in 30 balls with Reddy going on to hit 26 not out.

The home side had earlier posted a total of 180-5 in their 20 overs with Glenn Phillips top-scoring with 70 off 43 balls while Bevon Jacobs struck 58 batting at number 5.

India can seal the series when the third contest takes in Wellington on Tuesday.

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