India survived a tense middle-order collapse to pull off a thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 international series. Chasing a target of 226, the visitors overcame a middle-overs wobble to reach the target in 19.4 overs, marking their highest successful run chase in T20 international history.
Opening batters Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma set a blistering tone with a 93-run partnership. Samson smashed 67 off just 33 balls, hitting eight boundaries and four sixes to propel India to 94-1 during the powerplay. However, the Black Caps fought back by picking up three rapid wickets, putting immense pressure on the chasing side.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer stabilized the innings with a crucial 42 off 28 balls, before Naman Dhir completed the victory with an unbeaten 42. Reflecting on the chase, Iyer credited the top order for setting up the foundation, adding, “When they click, they set up the game for us, and the rest of us try to steady the ship and finish.” He also praised Dhir, saying, “He gives us lots of options. I personally feel the calm and composed nature he showed tonight, it was magnificent.” But Iyer countered with 42 off 28 balls to wrest back the momentum, before a late flourish from Dhir (42 not out) took India over the line, new Zealand hit back by removing three batters in quick succession. Tight game and both teams might look at things that could have gone here or there.”.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 225-4—their highest home T20 total against India—after being sent in to bat. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen provided a strong start, taking the side to 65-1 in the powerplay, highlighted by Allen’s 24-ball 45. Glenn Phillips then dominated the attack, smashing an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls with eight fours and three sixes, alongside Bevon Jacobs, who scored 31 before being run out.
India’s bowling attack found it tough to restrict the scoring rate, as all five bowlers conceded 10 or more runs per over. Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, returning for his first T20 international appearance in four years after last playing against New Zealand in 2022, finished with figures of 0-49.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged India’s dominance in the early overs, stating, “They put us under pressure. Another big powerplay from them. We were not at our best.” He noted that his side managed to squeeze India in the middle overs during the tight contest. The series continues with the second T20 on Saturday in Christchurch.
