IND vs NZ 1st T20I Highlights: India Beat New Zealand By 48 Runs. India began the five-match T20I series with a commanding victory by 48 runs over New Zealand in Nagpur. The first T20I was played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on January 21. Batting first, India posted a massive total of 238 for seven in 20 overs. The Indian batters dominated from the power play and never allowed the bowlers to settle.
Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning knock and led India’s batting charge. He scored 84 runs from just 35 balls at a strike rate of 240. His innings included five fours and eight towering sixes. Rinku Singh played a brilliant finishing role in the death overs. He remained unbeaten on 44 from 20 deliveries. Rinku struck four fours and three sixes with a strike rate above 220.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav added stability in the middle order. He scored 32 runs from 22 balls with four boundaries. Hardik Pandya chipped in with a quick 25 from 16 balls. New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain India’s aggressive approach. Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson picked up two wickets each. However, both conceded runs at over ten per over.
Glenn Philips didn’t get support from other end
Chasing 239, New Zealand faced early setbacks. Devon Conway was dismissed for a duck in the opening over. Rachin Ravindra also failed to make an impact. Glenn Phillips fought hard for the visitors. He scored 78 runs from 40 balls with four fours and six sixes. Mark Chapman supported him with 39 from 24 deliveries. Despite their efforts, the required run rate kept climbing rapidly. New Zealand finished at 190 for seven in 20 overs.
Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB and RR Given Deadline To Confirm Home Venues
India’s bowlers delivered timely breakthroughs. Varun Chakaravarthy claimed two important wickets in the middle overs. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel bowled tight spells under pressure. India won the match by 48 runs and took a 1–0 series lead. Abhishek Sharma was awarded player of the match for his fearless innings. The victory provided strong momentum ahead of the second T20I.