India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Match Highlights: India kicked off the five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a dominant 48-run victory in the 1st T20I at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, on January 21, 2026. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India posted a massive 238/7 and restricted NZ to 190/7, taking a 1-0 lead. This high-scoring thriller served as key preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
India’s Explosive Batting Performance
Electing to bat first after NZ won the toss, India unleashed fireworks. Abhishek Sharma smashed a blistering 84 off just 35 balls (7th T20I fifty in 22 balls), setting the tone with aggressive strokeplay. Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32 off 22, Hardik Pandya added 25 off 16, and Rinku Singh finished unbeaten on 44 off 20 to propel India to 238/7. Key partnerships included 99 runs for the 3rd wicket between Abhishek and SKY.
NZ bowlers struggled: Jacob Duffy took 2/27, but others leaked runs heavily.
New Zealand’s Chase Falls Short
Chasing 239, NZ never built momentum. Early wickets disrupted them, with Glenn Phillips offering resistance but lacking support. NZ finished at 190/7 in 20 overs. Shivam Dube starred with late wickets (including a near hat-trick), while spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and others choked the middle order. India bowled tightly to seal the comprehensive win.
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India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Match Highlights
- India: 238/7 (20 overs) – Abhishek Sharma 84 (35), Rinku Singh 44* (20)
- New Zealand: 190/7 (20 overs)
- Result: India won by 48 runs
- Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma for his explosive innings
India’s all-round display showcased batting depth and bowling variety ahead of T20 World Cup 2026. The series continues with the 2nd T20I next – stay tuned for more IND vs NZ updates!
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