India pulled off a sensational chase to beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first T20I at Christchurch on Thursday, hunting down a daunting target of 226 with two balls to spare. The visitors finished on 230/6 in 19.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
At the halfway stage, New Zealand’s total of 225/4 looked imposing. Glenn Phillips led the charge with an unbeaten 82 off just 40 balls, while Finn Allen smashed 45 off 24. Tim Seifert provided a brisk start, and Daryl Mitchell and Bevon Jacobs chipped in with useful cameos, Jacobs scoring 31 off 16 deliveries. India’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Axar Patel claiming a wicket apiece.
India’s reply began explosively. Sanju Samson smashed 67 off 33 balls, helping the visitors race to 94/1 in the Powerplay and putting them firmly on course for victory.
However, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner dragged New Zealand back into the contest, taking four wickets between them during the middle overs. The dismissals of Samson, promoted No. 3 Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan threatened to derail the chase.
Shreyas Iyer’s 41 and Axar’s contribution helped steady the innings, but the latter’s departure left India needing 49 runs from the final four overs.
Enter Naman Dhir. The batter produced a breathtaking unbeaten 42 off just 15 deliveries, turning the game decisively in India’s favour and sealing a memorable victory.
New Zealand’s cause was not helped by undisciplined bowling, which included 16 wides and a no-ball, alongside some unusually sloppy fielding. While the dew made life difficult for the bowlers, the hosts also missed opportunities to close out the contest.
India will take plenty of confidence from a chase that combined explosive batting with a remarkable late assault from Dhir.
