Naman Dhir’s unbeaten 42 off 15 balls carried India to a thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand in the opening T20I at Hagley Oval, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing 226, India reached 230/6 with two balls to spare, the highest successful run chase in their T20I history.
Samson Lays the Foundation
Sanju Samson struck a blistering 33-ball 67 that anchored India’s top order. A mid-innings collapse threatened to derail the chase, but Dhir’s power-hitting finish got the visitors over the line in a high-octane Christchurch finish on a true Hagley Oval surface where boundaries flowed freely.
New Zealand Post 225/4
New Zealand earlier posted 225/4 after Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field. The Blackcaps’ top order set a relentless pace from the outset. Finn Allen led the charge with a quickfire 45 off 24 deliveries alongside Tim Seifert.
India managed brief breakthroughs through Mayank Yadav and Axar Patel, but Glenn Phillips seized control of the middle and death overs. He smashed an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, including eight boundaries and three maximums. Supported by Daryl Mitchell‘s brisk 28 off 19, Phillips propelled the hosts past the 220-run mark. New Zealand also sealed their spot in the Super 8.
India Surge, Then Stumble
Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened India’s reply in blistering fashion, plundering 68 runs in the first four overs to keep the required rate in check. Samson reached his half-century in style and dictated terms against the pace attack.
New Zealand fought back through their spinners. Michael Bracewell broke the opening stand by removing Abhishek for 29. Mitchell Santner then struck twice in quick succession to dismiss Samson and Ishan Kishan. India went from a comfortable 93/0 to reeling at 122/4 midway through the chase.
Iyer and Patel Revive the Chase, Dhir Finishes It
With the required rate climbing, Shreyas Iyer (42 off 28) and Axar Patel (24 off 14) reignited India’s hopes. They launched a 20-run counter-attack against Matt Henry in the 14th over. When Iyer fell in the penultimate over with 15 runs still needed, Naman Dhir walked in.
The right-hander produced a breathtaking unbeaten cameo, dispatching the bowling with supreme confidence. With just three runs needed from the final four deliveries, Dhir launched Henry over deep fine leg for a maximum to seal a historic victory for the visitors.
Series Schedule
- First T20I: Hagley Oval, Christchurch (India won by 4 wickets)
- Second T20I: 24 October, Christchurch
- Third T20I: 27 October, Wellington
- Fourth T20I: 30 October, Auckland
- Fifth T20I: 1 November, Hamilton
Both sides now turn their attention to the second match in Christchurch on 24 October.