India produced a stunning batting performance to beat New Zealand by four wickets in the opening T20 International at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday. Chasing 226, India reached 230/6 in 19.4 overs to take a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.
New Zealand scored 225/4 in 20 overs after India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl. Glenn Phillips led the hosts with an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, while Finn Allen scored 45 from 24 deliveries. Bevon Jacobs added a quick 31 off 16 balls.
India began the chase aggressively, reaching 50 runs in just 3.2 overs. Sanju Samson struck 67 off 33 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes. Abhishek Sharma also made a fast 29 from 12 deliveries.
After Samson’s dismissal, India lost wickets in quick succession. Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings with 42 off 28 balls, keeping the chase alive. The match then turned into a tense finish.
Naman Dhir delivered the decisive blow, scoring an unbeaten 42 from just 15 balls. He sealed the victory in style by hitting Matt Henry for a six in the final over. India finished with two balls remaining.
The victory was India’s highest successful run chase in men’s T20I history, according to the International Cricket Council.
India vs New Zealand: Second T20I
The second match will be played on Saturday, October 24, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The match starts at 12:30 PM IST, with live television coverage on Sony Sports Network and online streaming on SonyLIV.
India will aim to extend their lead to 2–0, while New Zealand will look to bounce back on home ground.
