India seal record chase against New Zealand after overcoming a mid-innings wobble in the T20I series opener on a dewy Christchurch night. Set a target of 226, India secured a nervy four-wicket victory with two balls remaining, finishing at 230 for 6 in response to New Zealand’s 225 for 4.

Allen and Phillips Lift New Zealand to Record Total

Finn Allen ignited the Hagley Oval crowd with a powerful 45 off 24 balls before falling to Axar Patel. Glenn Phillips later anchored the innings with an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes. Supported by Bevon Jacobs’ 31 off 16, New Zealand posted 225 for 4, which marked their highest T20I total against India.

India’s bowlers managed to keep the scoring largely under control despite the boundary-hitting. However, New Zealand’s formidable total was built on strong partnerships, including a 73-run stand off 33 balls between Phillips and Jacobs for the fourth wicket.

Samson and Dhir Secure Victory for India

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma gave India a flying start, putting on 93 for the first wicket in just 35 balls. Samson smashed a 23-ball half-century and finished with 67 runs. After Abhishek fell for 29 off 12 and New Zealand spinners Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner claimed two wickets each during a tactical muddle, India lost four wickets for 29 runs in 22 balls.

Axar Patel contributed 24 off 14, Shreyas Iyer scored 42, and Naman Dhir remained unbeaten on 42 off 21 balls to drag the side over the line. Bracewell finished with figures of 2 for 37 and Santner took 2 for 39 for New Zealand.

Source: ESPNcricinfo

Photo: Rajasthan Royals / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 (photo page)