Naman Dhir's 42 finishes India's record T20I chase
Dhir's unbeaten 42 off 15 balls guided India to their highest successful T20I chase after a middle-order wobble.
Naman Dhir remained unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls as India chased 226 to beat New Zealand by four wickets with two balls to spare in the first T20I at Christchurch on Thursday. Sanju Samson scored 67 off 33 balls and Shreyas Iyer made 42 in the record-breaking run chase.
India lost three wickets for seven runs after reaching 94 for one in the powerplay. Dhir came in during the 15th over when India needed 55 from five overs and struck five fours and two sixes to seal the win.
The second T20I is scheduled for Saturday at the same venue. India lead the five-match series 1-0.
CricHubb Take
Dhir's arrival shows India are finally producing middle-order players who can start at full throttle rather than needing a settling-in period. His ability to clear boundaries without a long introduction gives the team a different finishing option from the established power-hitters.