Last Updated on 2 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
India have produced their highest successful run chase in T20Is, mowing down New Zealand’s 225 with two balls to spare in Christchurch.
A blistering powerplay courtesy of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma set the tone. The opening pair smashed 93 off 5.5 overs against a capable New Zealand attack, setting the perfect platform for the chase.
Samson was particularly brilliant. With some conjecture around his spot in the team amid the rise of teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the right-hander sent a reminder of his class by punishing anything slightly off line and length. He was particularly brutal down the ground even against good length deliveries, playing a host of beautiful shots that will make for a great highlights reel.
However, New Zealand’s spinners – Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell – brought the hosts back into the game. After Bracewell dismissed Abhishek at the end of the powerplay, Santner picked up the big wicket of Samson for a 33-ball 67 a few overs later.
Soon after, Tilak Varma’s troubled stay (6 off 11 balls) came to an end, before Ishan Kishan was dismissed for a three-ball one. New Zealand were right back in the contest, and India had work to do.
Shreyas Iyer (42) and Axar Patel (24) kept things ticking with a quick 43-run stand. But, it was Naman Dhir who had a night to remember, showcasing his capabilities with the bat after his exploits with the ball in the recent West Indies series. He stayed calm when things threatened to get tight in the final two overs, finishing with a 15-ball 42. His innings featured five fours and two sixes, including one to win the match in the final over.
NZ vs IND 1st T20 Reactions: India fans thrilled with victory in series opener in Christchurch
“The new finisher has arrived for India, the school of Mumbai Indians keep delivering for the country, What a calm & composed innings under pressure,” wrote @CricCrazyJohns on X (formerly Twitter).
“Naman Dhir is a player I’ll be very keen to see grow at the top level. Playing a difficult role, yet the calmness on his play is impressive,” wrote former India pace bowler Irfan Pathan.
Earlier, New Zealand hammered 225/4 with contributions right down the order. Glenn Phillips led the way with 82* off 40 balls, and Bevon Jacobs impressed with his 16-ball 31.
The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Saturday night.
