India vs New Zealand Highlights, 1st T20I | Jan 21: Clinical India Defeat New Zealand by 48 Runs despite Glenn Phillips’ Heroics

IND vs NZ 1st T20I Highlights of New Zealand tour of India opened the five-match series with a decisive Indian win as the hosts posted 238/7 and restricted New Zealand to 190/7 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur. The 48-run margin reflected India’s control across phases on a night surface that rewarded clean hitting. The hosts went 1–0 ahead in the series following the win.

India’s innings was shaped by an assertive approach from the outset, even as early wickets fell. Sanju Samson departed inside two overs, and Ishan Kishan followed soon after, but Abhishek Sharma’s counterpunch ensured momentum never stalled. His boundary-hitting compressed the powerplay pressure and set a tempo that New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to reset, particularly as length errors were punished into the short square boundaries.

The middle overs became the platform for separation. Suryakumar Yadav added stability with a measured 32, allowing Abhishek to accelerate without risk management becoming conservative. When Abhishek fell at 149/4, the run rate had already crossed 12 per over, forcing New Zealand into defensive fields that proved ineffective against India’s depth.

The finishing phase underlined that depth. Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 44 from 20 balls ensured the innings did not plateau, while Hardik Pandya’s 25 kept pressure on the change bowlers. Despite Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson claiming two wickets apiece, India’s extras tally and boundary frequency kept the total climbing to 238.

New Zealand’s chase began poorly with Devon Conway dismissed for a duck, immediately stretching the required rate. Glenn Phillips provided resistance with a forceful 78 off 40, and Mark Chapman’s 39 briefly hinted at a middle-overs revival. However, India’s bowling rotated effectively. Varun Chakravarthy’s two wickets disrupted partnerships, and Shivam Dube’s late strikes ensured the chase never fully stabilized.

As the required rate climbed beyond reach, New Zealand’s lower order focused on damage limitation rather than pursuit. The final overs reflected India’s tactical control, mixing pace and spin to close out a comprehensive victory.

Toss Winner

The toss went New Zealand’s way, and they elected to field first.

Key Moment

Abhishek Sharma’s 84 off 35 balls, featuring eight sixes, transformed a rebuilding phase into a dominant surge, pushing India past the point where New Zealand could control the game.

Star Performer / MVP

Abhishek Sharma defined the match by combining a rapid 84 with two catches, driving India’s total to 238 and influencing the contest in both innings.

India vs New Zealand Match Summary

IND vs NZ Playing XI

India: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy