India beat New Zealand by 4 wickets as Nitish Kumar Reddy contributes with bat and ball

India beat New Zealand by 4 wickets in the second T20I in Christchurch, with Nitish Kumar Reddy contributing with both bat and ball. He scored 26 off 13 in the death overs of the chase and took the wicket of Bevon Jacobs, who had made 58. Tilak Varma partnered Nitish during the chase and remained unbeaten on 51 off 26. The match account described Nitish's innings as a useful cameo in a stiff chase.

After the win, Nitish was asked about continuing in an all-round role and potentially partnering Hardik Pandya in South Africa next year. The ICC report said the team management is interested in developing Nitish in that role ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

Nitish said bowling in defensive situations helps, and described his current focus as gaining experience ahead of the World Cup. Asked about batting during a tense chase, he said he tried to put pressure back on New Zealand's bowlers. He recalled discussing with Tilak the need to believe they could produce one strong over, adding that this is what T20 cricket is about. At one point, India needed 69 off 31 with 4 wickets in hand.