Naman Dhir's unbeaten 42 off 15 balls seals India's record chase in Christchurch
Naman Dhir's late blitz completed India's highest successful T20I chase and highlighted his growing role as a finisher.
Naman Dhir remained unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls to guide India to their highest successful T20I chase of 226 against New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday. Dhir came to the crease at 167 for five needing 59 off 33 balls and struck six fours and two sixes, including three boundaries off Mitchell Santner in the 17th over.
His innings surpassed the previous highest score by an Indian batter at No. 7 or lower in a successful T20I chase. India finished with four wickets and two balls to spare after Sanju Samson scored 67 and Abhishek Sharma made 29 in a 93-run opening stand. Hardik Pandya remained unavailable due to a shin and calf stress injury.
Dhir has now scored 80 runs off 28 balls in six T20I innings at a strike rate of 285.71. Shreyas Iyer said the all-rounder's composure under pressure gives India another finishing option alongside Axar Patel.
CricHubb Take
Dhir's returns suggest India may have found a long-term solution to the finisher role that has remained unsettled since Hardik Pandya's injury lay-offs.