Despite being set a paltry target of 100, it took the second to last ball for India to seal a win over the Black Caps to level the three match Twenty20 series in Lucknow.
Michael Bracewell of New Zealand Photo: PHOTOSPORT
India eventually won by 6 wickets in a game that surprisingly came down to the wire.
After deciding to bat first New Zealand made just 99 for 8 with no player reaching 20 runs.
After getting through to 21 without loss, wickets fell at regular intervals with captain Mitchell Santner top scoring with 19, while Mark Chapman and Michael Bracewell made 14.
On a pitch that offered plenty of turn, six different Indian bowlers took a wicket, putting New Zealand under pressure throughout the innings.
Following a top-order wobble, India captain Hardik Pandya (15 not out) and Suryakumar Yadav (26 not out) combined for a crucial 31-run partnership as they helped the hosts reach 101-4 on the penultimate ball.
Spinners Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell picked up a wicket apiece, while Indian batters Ishan Kishan and Washington Sundar were both run out.
On a tough wicket, both sides struggled to find the boundary and with two overs left India still needed 13 runs.
A long overdue boundary provided some relief for India, and the hosts needed 6 from 6 off the final over.
The third and deciding game is in Ahmedabad on Thursday morning.