India bounced back from the disappointment of the opening T20 by defeating England by seven wickets in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
The hosts gave debuts to two players and it was one of those that really shone. Ishan Kishan with a half century helped India level the T20 series 1-1.
Kohli back to his ultimate best
The game also saw the return back to form of Virat Kohli with an unbeaten 73 as India produced a thoroughly professional performance.
England made one change from the side that despatched India comfortably in the opening match. Tom Curran came in for the injured Mark Wood.
The home side won the toss and elected to put England in to bat. India struck early when Bhuvneshuar Kumar had Jos Buttler(0) lbw third ball. Washington Sundar was introduced in to the attack, with Jason Roy dispatching him over his head for a maximum first ball.
England prosper after early setback
Along with Dawid Malan England prospered and added 63 for the second wicket when Chahal trapped Malan(24) lbw. Sundar was re-introduced back into the fray and picked up the wickets of Roy(46) and Bairstow(20).
Useful knocks from Captain Eoin Morgan(28) and Ben Stokes(24) ensured England finished on 164-6 in their 20 overs.
Just like England previously India suffered a set back in their reply when KL Rahul(0) edged behind. Kohli- who was dropped by Buttler on ten- joined Kishan at the crease with the pair adding 50 runs in the powerplay.
Youngster Kishan stars on debut
The youngster Kishan impressed on his international debut by hitting Tom Curran for six over his head. He then hammered Stokes for 17 in one over as India were cruising to victory.
Kishan reached a fine 50 with a maximum off Rashid and also hit the leg spinner for another six next delivery. The pair put on 94 for the second wicket when Kishan’s fine innings was ended when Rashid had him lbw. A debut innings of 56 off 32 balls including five fours and four six’s bodes well for the youngster.
India were well on course for a comfortable victory with Rishabh Pant’s cameo knock of 26 easing the hosts to victory.
It was fitting that Kohli who England have kept quiet all through this tour would hit the winning runs. The Indian legend despatched Tom Curran over deep square leg to ensure India drew level in the series.
Very much to the delight of a boisterous crowd of over 66,000. The third T20 international in the series will take place on Tuesday at Ahmedabad.