India produced a breathtaking batting display to overpower New Zealand by 48 runs in the opening T20I at Nagpur, surging to a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.
On a belter at the VCA Stadium, the hosts piled up a daunting 238 for 7, driven by a sensational assault from Abhishek Sharma.
After early strikes removed Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, Abhishek took complete control of the innings. The left-hander unleashed a stunning 84 off just 35 deliveries, peppering the stands with eight towering sixes and striking at a remarkable rate of 240. He found capable support from captain Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya before Rinku Singh finished proceedings in emphatic style, smashing an unbeaten 44 from 20 balls to propel India well beyond 230.
Chasing an imposing target of 239, New Zealand never fully settled. Early wickets put the visitors on the back foot, but Glenn Phillips mounted a fierce counterattack with a scintillating 78 off 40 balls, briefly keeping hopes alive. His stand with Mark Chapman revived the innings, yet the required rate continued to climb.
India’s bowlers held their nerve at the death, with Varun Chakravarthy and Shivam Dube striking at key moments to halt the chase at 190 for 7. The comprehensive win underlined India’s depth and firepower, setting the tone for an exciting series ahead.
