Samson and Dhir star as India chase down 226 to beat New Zealand in 1st T20I

India completed their highest successful chase in T20 internationals, beating New Zealand by four wickets in the first T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Thursday. Chasing 226, India reached 230 for 6 in 19.4 overs, winning with two balls to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, in a rematch of the 2026 T20 World Cup final.

New Zealand posted 225 for 4 after being asked to bat. Glenn Phillips finished unbeaten on 82 off 40 balls, adding 73 with Bevon Jacobs, who struck 31 not out off 16 including a 96-metre six out of the ground off his first ball. Finn Allen made 45 off 24 and Tim Seifert 24 off 17.

India won the toss and bowled, then raced to 94 for 1 in the powerplay through a 93-run opening stand in under six overs. Sanju Samson smashed 67 off 33 balls with eight fours and four sixes, reaching fifty off 23 balls, before chopping on against Mitchell Santner; Abhishek Sharma made 29 off 12. Spinners Santner and Michael Bracewell then slowed India from 93 without loss to 122 for 4 in the 11th over.

Captain Shreyas Iyer steadied the chase with 42 off 28, and Naman Dhir finished it unbeaten on 42 off 15, sealing victory with a six off the fourth ball of the last over.

“Matches can be finished in the first half,” Samson said afterwards. “I think six overs, 90-odd runs, great start today.”

The second T20I is also at Hagley Oval on Saturday.

Sources

• The Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand-1st-t20i-four-wickets-sanju-samson-10932249/
• Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand/sanju-samson-special-shreyas-and-naman-cameos-help-india-pull-off-highest-successful-chase-against-new-zealand/articleshow/135117911.cms
• SA Cricket Mag (AFP): https://www.sacricketmag.com/samson-powers-india-to-record-chase-against-new-zealand/
• Business Standard: https://www.business-standard.com/cricket/news/new-zealand-vs-india-live-score-updates-ind-vs-nz-full-scorecard-1st-t20i-key-moments-126102200223_1.html?1792649188