India cruise past New Zealand

Rohit Sharma became the highest run scorer in Twenty20 international history Friday as India romped to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20 in Auckland.

Sharma top-scored for the tourists with 50 as India chased down New Zealand's modest 159-run target in 18.5 overs, levelling the three-match series at 1-1.

Sharma's knock was his 16th T20 half century and took his career tally in the format to 2,288 runs, overtaking New Zealand's Martin Guptill on 2,272.

The 31-year-old made his T20 debut against England in 2007 and has played 92 matches, averaging 33.15.

However Sharma, who is standing in as captain while Virat Kohli is rested, was more interested in focusing on India's performance than his individual achievements. His team dominated New Zealand with bat and ball to avenge an 80-run loss in the opening fixture in Wellington -- India's heaviest ever T20 defeat.

India's bowling attack was much improved and man-of-the-match Krunal Pandya took three for 28 as they restricted New Zealand to 158 for eight.

Colin de Grandhomme gave the Black Caps some hope, hitting a maiden T20 half century off 27 balls as part of a 77-run partnership with Ross Taylor, who made 42.

But the hosts could not break the shackles and tight bowling at the end of the innings prevented them from taking advantage of Eden Park's short boundaries.

 

India cruise past New Zealand

Rohit Sharma became the highest run scorer in Twenty20 international history Friday as India romped to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20 in Auckland. Sharma top-scored for the tourists with 50 as India chased down New Zealands modest 159-run target in 18.5 overs, levelling the three-match series at 1-1. Sharmas knock was his 16th T20 half century and took his career tally in the format to 2,288 runs, overtaking New Zealands Martin Guptill on 2,272. The 31-year-old made his T20 debut against England in 2007 and has played 92 matches, averaging 33.15. However Sharma, who is standing in as captain while Virat Kohli is rested, was more interested in focusing on Indias performance than his individual achievements. His team dominated New Zealand with bat and ball to avenge an 80-run loss in the opening fixture in Wellington -- Indias heaviest ever T20 defeat. Indias bowling attack was much improved and man-of-the-match Krunal Pandya took three for 28 as they restricted New Zealand to 158 for eight. Colin de Grandhomme gave the Black Caps some hope, hitting a maiden T20 half century off 27 balls as part of a 77-run partnership with Ross Taylor, who made 42. But the hosts could not break the shackles and tight bowling at the end of the innings prevented them from taking advantage of Eden Parks short boundaries.