Naman Dhir's unbeaten 42 seals India's record T20I chase
Dhir's 15-ball 42 helped India chase 226, their highest successful T20I total, to beat New Zealand by four wickets.
Naman Dhir remained unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls as India chased down 226 to beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first T20I at Hagley Oval on Thursday. Dhir struck five fours and two sixes in a 19.4-over innings that produced India's highest successful T20I chase. The 26-year-old arrived with India needing 55 from the last five overs and finished the match with a top-edged six.
Sanju Samson scored 67 off 33 balls and Shreyas Iyer made 42 as India recovered from 122 for four. Abhishek Sharma added 29 off 12 in an opening stand of 93. New Zealand posted 225 for eight, led by Glenn Phillips' unbeaten 82.
The second T20I is scheduled for Saturday at the same venue. India lead the five-match series 1-0.
CricHubb Take
Dhir's composure under pressure shows India have found a finisher who backs his strengths without the need for prolonged acclimatisation. His ability to clear boundaries on a pitch offering bounce marks a shift from previous overseas struggles.