Nagpur, January 21, 2026 : India produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat New Zealand by 48 runs in the first T20 International at Nagpur on Wednesday, riding on a blistering batting display and disciplined bowling under lights.
Asked to bat first after New Zealand elected to field, India posted an imposing 238 for 7 in their 20 overs, driven by an explosive knock from Abhishek Sharma and a late assault by Rinku Singh. Abhishek set the tone at the top with a rapid 84 off just 35 balls, striking eight sixes and five fours to dismantle the visiting attack during the powerplay and middle overs. His innings ensured India never lost momentum despite wickets falling at regular intervals.
After early dismissals of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, India steadied briefly through Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, who kept the scoreboard ticking with brisk contributions. The finishing flourish came from Rinku Singh, who remained unbeaten on 44 from 20 deliveries, finding boundaries consistently in the final overs to push India well past the 230 mark. Arshdeep Singh chipped in with useful runs at the end as India closed with a run rate close to 12 an over.
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sodhi conceding heavily, while Jacob Duffy and Mitchell Santner picked up wickets but failed to stem the onslaught.
Chasing 239, New Zealand never truly settled. Early wickets put them on the back foot, and although Glenn Phillips mounted a strong resistance with a hard-hitting 78 off 40 balls, the required rate kept climbing. Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell offered support, but regular breakthroughs by the Indian bowlers prevented any sustained partnership.
India’s bowling effort was led by Varun Chakravarthy and Shivam Dube, who picked up key wickets in the middle overs to halt New Zealand’s chase. Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya struck early, while the collective pressure ensured New Zealand finished on 190 for 7 at the end of 20 overs.
Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his decisive innings at the top, which laid the foundation for India’s convincing victory and gave the hosts a 1–0 lead in the series.
