Delhi: India posted a commanding total of 238 for 7 in the first T20 International against New Zealand at Nagpur, thanks to explosive knocks from Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh. Sent in to bat first, India’s top order laid a strong foundation, while the finishing trio ensured the scoreboard kept ticking in the final overs.
Opener Abhishek Sharma smashed a whirlwind 84 off just 35 balls, including eight sixes and five fours, anchoring a 99-run third-wicket partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 22 balls, 1 six, 4 fours). The duo accelerated the innings after India lost early wickets cheaply.
India’s late-order firepower came from Rinku Singh, who remained unbeaten on 44 off 20 balls with three sixes and four fours, and Hardik Pandya, who contributed 25 runs from 16 balls (1 six, 3 fours), propelling India to a competitive total.
New Zealand’s pace duo of Jacob Duffy (2/27) and Kyle Jamieson (2/54) were the pick of the bowlers, while Christian Clarke, Mitchell Santner, and Ish Sodhi claimed a wicket each.
Chasing 239, New Zealand stumbled early, losing two wickets for just three runs in the second over. Devon Conway was dismissed for a duck by wicketkeeper Sanju Samson off Arshdeep Singh, while Rachin Ravindra fell for 1, caught by Abhishek Sharma in the slips.
India’s innings had a rocky start with Sanju Samson (10 off 7) and Ishan Kishan (8 off 5) falling cheaply, but the explosive partnership between Abhishek and Suryakumar steadied the ship, racing to 126 before Suryakumar was caught off Mitchell Santner. Abhishek fell for 85 while trying to clear the leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, leaving India at 149 for 4.
The middle and lower order kept the momentum alive. Shivam Dubey (9 off 4), Hardik Pandya (23), and Axar Patel (5) added valuable runs while taking calculated risks, ensuring India crossed the 230-mark.
Despite early setbacks, India’s power-hitting and aggressive approach gave them a formidable total to defend, putting immense pressure on New Zealand in the opening match of the series.
