India began their five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a thrilling four-wicket victory at Christchurch on Thursday, chasing down a target of 226 with two balls to spare. Naman Dhir’s unbeaten 42 off 15 deliveries provided the finishing punch after the visitors’ explosive start was followed by a middle-order collapse.
New Zealand posted 225/4 after India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl. Glenn Phillips led the charge with an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes. Finn Allen contributed 45 off 24 deliveries, while Bevon Jacobs added an unbeaten 31 off 16 balls as the hosts maintained a high scoring rate throughout their innings.
India’s bowlers struggled to contain the attack, with every bowler conceding more than 40 runs. Phillips and Jacobs provided the late acceleration that took New Zealand beyond 220, leaving India with a demanding chase.
India responded aggressively in the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma struck 29 off 12 balls, while Sanju Samson continued the assault with 67 off 33 deliveries, hitting eight fours and four sixes. Their attacking approach gave India early momentum, but Michael Bracewell dismissed Abhishek before Tilak Varma fell for six. Samson’s departure and Ishan Kishan’s dismissal for one then left India needing a recovery.
Iyer anchored the chase with 42 off 28 balls, keeping India in contention despite the quick wickets. Axar Patel contributed 24 off 14 deliveries, but the game remained finely balanced heading into the closing overs.
Dhir changed the equation with a blistering finish, scoring at a strike rate of 280. His five fours and two sixes kept India ahead of the required rate, even as the finish became nervy. He remained unbeaten as India reached 230/6 in 19.4 overs, with Nitish Kumar Reddy alongside him at the end.
The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the series and continues their strong recent run against New Zealand, following a bilateral series win at home and victory over the Black Caps in the T20 World Cup final earlier this year.
The opener offered a contest full of big hitting and momentum swings, with India’s batting depth proving decisive in a chase that required contributions from both the top and middle order.
