Varma's half-century gives India a win over New Zealand

India chased down New Zealand's target of 181 with one ball to spare on Saturday in Christchurch. With the hosts needing 68 runs from the final five overs, Mitchell Santner's four wickets for New Zealand had put the pressure on India.

Tilak Varma was the key to India's success. He reached his half-century off 25 balls and was named player of the match. He added 69 runs for the seventh wicket with Nitish Kumar Reddy off 30 balls. The pair attacked the opposing fast bowlers over the final three overs and took their side to victory.

Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs played an important role in New Zealand's total with a 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket. India's fast bowlers had held New Zealand to 43-3 during the powerplay. Phillips went on to score his second consecutive half-century, and the hosts reached 180-5.

India's chase got off to a difficult start and they were at 112-6 at one stage. Varma's back-to-back boundaries off Duffy and Smith in the final overs changed the course of the match.

The third match of the series gives India a chance to play on their home ground. Fans are eager to see whether India can seal the series.