India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first India vs New Zealand T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The win came after India chased down 225. That is India’s highest successful run chase in T20 internationals.
The match was played on Thursday, October 22. India had played a T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru just five days earlier. They then travelled to New Zealand and played this game almost right away. Jet lag was expected to be a problem. But India handled it well.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to international bowling in this match. He had not bowled in a game since 2022. He started well. He gave away only four runs in his first over. But later, he could not keep the runs down.
India’s bowling and fielding were not at their best. New Zealand took full advantage. All five Indian bowlers conceded 10 or more runs per over. New Zealand posted 225 runs. That was the highest T20I score at Hagley Oval.
India needed 226 to win. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma gave India a great start. They put on 93 runs in the powerplay. Abhishek made 29 off 12 balls before he was out. Samson kept going. But he did not get much support from the other end. Tilak Varma, who came in at number three, struggled. That put pressure on Samson. Samson was finally out for 67 off 33 balls. After that, India lost Tilak and Ishan Kishan quickly.
Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel then built an important partnership. They added 45 runs. That helped India get back into the game. Axar made 24 before he was out. Shreyas scored 42. When he was out, India needed 16 runs from 11 balls. Naman Dhir then finished the job. He made 42 not out off 15 balls. His hitting changed the game in India’s favour. India won with four wickets in hand.
The series now has five matches. India lead 1-0. The next game will be played on Saturday, October 24, at the same venue.
Glenn Phillips Powers New Zealand to 225 Against India
New Zealand posted a big total of 225 for 8 in the first T20I against India. The match was played in Christchurch on Thursday. It was New Zealand’s joint-highest score against India in T20Is and their highest at home.
Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips did most of the damage. Allen scored 45 off 24 balls. Phillips finished unbeaten on 82 off 40 balls. He hit eight fours and three sixes. Bevon Jacobs also contributed a quick 31 off 16 balls.
India’s bowling attack struggled without Jasprit Bumrah. Bhuvneshwar Kumar played his first international match in nearly four years. He started well but ended with figures of 0 for 49 in four overs. Axar Patel was the most expensive bowler, conceding 51 runs. Mayank Yadav got the only early breakthrough by dismissing Tim Seifert for 24. Arshdeep Singh later took the wicket of Daryl Mitchell.
New Zealand scored 65 for 1 in the powerplay. They kept the momentum going and reached 225. They scored 67 runs off the last 30 balls. Phillips ended the innings with a stunning switch hit over cover. India needed to chase 226 to win the match. They chased the score with four wickets in hand.
FAQs
Q. Who won the first India vs New Zealand T20I?
A. India beat New Zealand by four wickets at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Q. What was India’s target in the first T20I?
A. India chased down a target of 226 runs to secure the victory.
Q. Who scored the most runs for New Zealand?
A. Glenn Phillips scored 82 not out off 40 balls for New Zealand.
Q. Who was India’s top scorer in the successful chase?
A. Sanju Samson scored 67 off 33 balls for India.
Q. When is the second India vs New Zealand T20I?
A. The second T20I is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at Hagley Oval.
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