India rode Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh's pyrotechnics to bulldoze New Zealand by 48 runs in the opening match of their five-match T20I series, played at VCA stadium in Nagpur on January 21. This win serves as a strong validation of India's preparations as they look to defend their T20 World Cup title on home soil starting next month.
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New Zealand chase of a massive 239-run target faltered almost immediately. The visitors lost two wickets within the first nine deliveries, managing only a single run on the board during a disastrous start. When opener Tim Robinson was dismissed for 21 in the seventh over, India appeared to have the game firmly in their grasp. However, a spirited middle-order fightback led by Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman briefly kept the contest alive. Phillips, who scored a defiant 78, anchored the innings through a 51-run stand with Robinson followed by a rapid 79-run partnership with Chapman.
Despite the aggressive rearguard action, the skyrocketing required run rate eventually proved too much for the Kiwis. The momentum shifted decisively back to India in the 15th over when both Phillips and Chapman fell in quick succession, effectively ending the competitive phase of the match. While Daryl Mitchell and captain Mitchell Santner added a few late boundaries, New Zealand finished their 20 overs at 190/7, leaving India with a 1-0 lead in the series.
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Abhishek Sharma set the tone for India’s massive total with a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing 84 runs off just 35 deliveries. The young opener spared no one, launching eight towering sixes and five boundaries to leave the New Zealand fielders as mere spectators. His relentless aggression dismantled the visitors' bowling plan early on, particularly targeting the spinners and making full use of his exceptional bat speed.
Beyond the raw numbers, Abhishek’s fearless approach provided a much-needed safety net for his captain, Suryakumar Yadav. While Suryakumar appeared somewhat scratchy and far from his vintage best, Abhishek’s "attack at all costs" mentality allowed the skipper to settle into his innings. Together, they anchored a high-velocity 99-run partnership off only 47 balls for the third wicket, effectively shifting the momentum entirely in India's favor.
The final flourish came from Rinku Singh, who delivered a high-impact cameo just when the team needed a strong finish. Reclaiming his status as a premier finisher, Rinku remained unbeaten with 44 runs off 20 balls, ensuring that the scoring rate never dipped. His substantive knock in the closing overs propelled India to an imposing 238/7, their highest-ever T20I total against the Black Caps.