India overcome New Zealand fightback to win T20 opener
India survived a mid-innings wobble in a 226-run chase to defeat New Zealand by four wickets in Christchurch and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory against New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series after surviving a spirited fightback from the hosts.
Put in to bat, New Zealand posted their highest-ever T20 score against India on home soil, reaching a formidable 225-4 thanks to blistering knocks from their top and middle order.
Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen set a strong platform by taking the score to 65-1 in the powerplay, with Allen blasting 45 off 24 balls before Glenn Phillips took absolute charge.
Phillips produced a dazzling, unbeaten 82 off 40 deliveries, featuring eight fours and three ses, while Bevon Jacobs contributed 31 to anchor the imposing total.
In response, India completed their highest-ever successful run chase despite enduring a stuttering middle-phase wobble after a flying start from their opening pair.
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma stitched together a 93-run partnership, with Samson hammering 67 off 33 balls containing eight fours and four sixes to push India to 94-1 within the powerplay.
Although New Zealand fought back by striking three quick blows, Shreyas Iyer revived the chase with 42 off 28 deliveries before Naman Dhir applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 42 to seal victory in 19.4 overs.
The second T20I of the series is scheduled to be played in Christchurch on Saturday.