India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I: India 238/7 beat New Zealand 190/7 by 48 runs

India began the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in emphatic fashion, registering a commanding 48-run victory in the opening match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on January 21, 2026. With this win, Team India took a 1-0 lead in the series, underlining their intent ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that backfired as India unleashed a brutal batting assault. Despite losing two early wickets at just 27 runs, the hosts recovered spectacularly, riding on a sensational knock by Abhishek Sharma. The young left-hander produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing 84 runs off just 35 deliveries, studded with five fours and eight towering sixes. His strike rate of 240 set the tone for India’s innings and left the New Zealand bowlers searching for answers.

Abhishek found solid support from captain Suryakumar Yadav, with the duo adding 99 runs in just 47 balls for the third wicket. Suryakumar played his trademark attacking brand of cricket, scoring a fluent 32 off 22 balls that included four boundaries and a six. This partnership propelled India past the 100-run mark inside 10 overs and firmly shifted momentum in the home side’s favour.

Following Suryakumar’s dismissal, Hardik Pandya ensured the scoring rate did not dip, contributing a brisk 25 off 16 balls. The finishing touches were then applied by Rinku Singh, who once again showcased his reputation as a dependable finisher. Rinku remained unbeaten on 44 off 20 balls, striking four fours and three sixes, as India powered their way to a formidable total of 238 for 7 in 20 overs — their highest-ever T20I score against New Zealand.

Among the New Zealand bowlers, Jacob Duffy (2/27) and Kyle Jamieson (2/54) picked up two wickets each, but the overall bowling effort lacked control, with most bowlers conceding heavily on a batting-friendly surface.

Chasing a steep target of 239, New Zealand’s innings never truly settled. The visitors suffered an immediate setback when Devon Conway was dismissed for a duck on just the second ball of the innings, before Rachin Ravindra departed soon after for 1. Early wickets put the Kiwis under pressure, and despite flashes of resistance, the asking rate continued to climb.

Glenn Phillips emerged as the standout performer for New Zealand, playing a courageous knock of 78 off 40 balls, which included four fours and six sixes. He shared useful partnerships with Tim Robinson (21 off 15 balls) and later with Mark Chapman, adding 79 runs for the fourth wicket. Chapman chipped in with a quick 39 off 24 balls, keeping New Zealand’s hopes alive briefly. Daryl Mitchell added 28, while Santner remained unbeaten on 20, but the target proved too tall.

India’s bowlers maintained discipline, particularly in the middle and death overs. Varun Chakaravarthy and Shivam Dube led the way with two wickets each, while Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel chipped in with one apiece. The combined bowling effort ensured New Zealand were restricted to 190 for 7 at the end of their 20 overs.

The comprehensive win marked an impressive start to India’s T20I campaign under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership. With confidence high, the focus now shifts to the second T20I, scheduled to be played in Raipur on January 23, as India look to extend their advantage in the series.

Team Maverick.