India started the five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a strong 48-run win, thanks to a stunning knock from Abhishek Sharma and a disciplined bowling effort.
India posted a massive 238/7, their highest T20I total against New Zealand, after being put into bat in the series opener.
India ran into early trouble at 10/2, but Abhishek and captain Suryakumar Yadav kept the innings steady with a 99-run stand for the third wicket. The partnership completely changed the momentum.
Abhishek hit 84 off just 35 balls, hit eight sixes and raced to his fifty in just 20 balls. He attacked from the start and never allowed New Zealand to become established.
Suryakumar played the role of anchor, rotating the attack and choosing his moments, allowing Abhishek to play freely through the middle overs.
The scoring did not decrease in the final phase. Hardik Pandya scored a quick 25 off 16 balls while Rinku Singh finished strongly with an unbeaten 44 to push India well past the 230 mark.
New Zealand’s chase started badly as they lost two wickets in the first nine balls. Despite this, they reached 50 in the powerplay, mainly thanks to counter-attacks from Glenn Phillips.
Phillips kept New Zealand in the hunt with a powerful 78 off 40 balls, but wickets at regular intervals hurt the visitors. Asking rates continued to rise as India tightened the screws.
Varun Chakaravarthy delivered the key blows, removing Tim Robinson and Mark Chapman and later eliminating Phillips to end any real hopes of a comeback.
New Zealand eventually finished at 190/7 and fell well short as India took a 1-0 lead in the series.
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