Our Bureau
Christchurch
India scripted history on Thursday, completing their highest successful run chase in men’s T20 Internationals to defeat New Zealand by four wickets in the opening match of the five-game series at Hagley Oval. Chasing a formidable target of 226, India reached 230 for six with two balls remaining, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Sanju Samson spearheaded the chase with a blistering 67 off 33 deliveries, while Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir played crucial roles in securing the victory. Iyer scored 42, while Dhir remained unbeaten on 42 off just 15 balls, finishing the contest with an aggressive late surge.
India’s previous highest successful T20I chase was 209 runs, the Christchurch victory surpassed that record by 21 runs, underlining the team’s batting depth and ability to handle pressure in high-scoring encounters.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 225 for four after being put in to bat. Glenn Phillips led the hosts’ innings with an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, striking powerful boundaries to keep the scoring rate high. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen provided an attacking start, while contributions from Daryl Mitchell and Bevon Jacobs helped New Zealand build a challenging total.
India responded aggressively from the outset, with Samson and Abhishek Sharma adding 93 runs for the opening wicket. Their rapid start put the visitors firmly in contention before New Zealand’s bowlers struck back during the middle overs.
The contest remained finely balanced as India lost wickets, but Iyer steadied the innings before Dhir’s explosive finish carried the team across the line.
The victory gives India early momentum in the series, with the second T20I scheduled for Saturday in Christchurch. New Zealand will look to strengthen their bowling performance after failing to defend a total above 225.