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India pulled off a record-breaking run chase to beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first T20I of the series, despite leaving young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi out of the playing XI.
In a high-scoring contest in Christchurch, New Zealand posted 225 for four in 20 overs after being put in to bat. India then reached the target with two balls to spare, finishing on 226 for six.
The victory marked India’s highest successful run chase in T20 cricket.
Chasing 226, Indian openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma made an explosive start, adding 93 runs in just 5.5 overs. Samson scored 67 off 33 balls, while Abhishek contributed 29 off 12 deliveries.
Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan failed to make significant contributions, scoring six off 11 balls and one off three balls respectively.
Axar Patel provided a quickfire 24 off 14 deliveries to keep India in the contest.
Captain Shreyas Iyer then steadied the innings, building a crucial 43-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Naman Dhir. Iyer scored 42 off 28 balls before departing.
Dhir took charge in the closing stages, smashing an unbeaten 42 off just 15 deliveries. Nitish Kumar Reddy remained not out on two off three balls as India sealed the victory.
Earlier, New Zealand made a strong start after being asked to bat first. The opening pair added 49 runs, with Tim Seifert scoring 24 off 17 balls and Finn Allen making 45 off 24 deliveries.
Daryl Mitchell contributed 28 off 19 balls, while Bevon Jacobs struck 31 off 16 deliveries.
Glenn Phillips was the standout performer for the hosts, smashing an unbeaten 82 off just 40 balls. His innings featured eight fours and three sixes, helping New Zealand post a formidable total.
Phillips shared a rapid 73-run partnership with Jacobs for the fourth wicket in just 32 balls. Michael Bracewell remained unbeaten on seven off six deliveries.
Despite New Zealand’s imposing total, India’s aggressive start and late contributions from Iyer and Dhir proved decisive, securing a memorable record chase for the visitors.
