India chase 226 to win first T20I in Christchurch
Sanju Samson’s 67 and Naman Dhir’s unbeaten 42 guided India to a four-wicket win with two balls to spare.
India chased down New Zealand’s 225 for four to win the first T20I by four wickets at Hagley Oval. Sanju Samson scored 67 off 33 balls while Abhishek Sharma made 29 in the opening stand of 93. New Zealand’s spinners triggered a middle-order collapse that left India at 122 for four. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel added 45 before Naman Dhir finished the chase with 42 not out off 15 balls. It was India’s highest successful T20I chase, surpassing the previous mark of 209 against Australia. Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned after nearly four years but conceded 49 runs in his four overs. Finn Allen scored 45 and Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten on 82 for New Zealand.
CricHubb Take
The chase shows India’s batting depth can absorb a middle-order wobble and still finish the job.