IND Vs NZ, 1st T20I: Abhishek Sharma’s 84 Powers India To 48-Run Win

Abhishek Sharma once again lit up the shortest format as India outplayed New Zealand by 48 runs in the first T20I on Wednesday, 21 January at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.

The left-handed opener produced a breathtaking 84 off just 35 balls to headline India’s commanding total of 238 for 7, with Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 44 off 20 balls providing the finishing flourish.

In response, New Zealand found some hope through Glenn Phillips, who struck a spirited 78 from 40 deliveries, and Mark Chapman, who added a brisk 39 off 24.

Early breakthroughs from Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, followed by timely strikes from Varun Chakravarthy, ensured the Black Caps never truly threatened, eventually closing on 190 for 7.

The evening, however, belonged entirely to Abhishek, whose fearless approach once again showcased his growing stature in India’s T20 plans.

After taking a few deliveries to settle, the 25-year-old unleashed a stunning display of power, hammering eight sixes and five fours with effortless timing and exceptional bat speed.

His aggression set the platform for a match-defining partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav, as the pair added 99 runs at breakneck pace to tear the heart out of New Zealand’s bowling.

While Suryakumar was not at his fluent best, his 32 off 22 balls played an important supporting role, keeping the momentum firmly in India’s favour. The innings gathered fresh pace at the death as Rinku Singh finally got an extended opportunity to finish an innings, clobbering the bowlers with confidence and precision.

Jacob Duffy emerged as the most economical of the New Zealand bowlers with figures of 2 for 27, but the attack struggled to find any sustained control on a night dominated by the bat.

The emphatic win handed India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series and underlined their growing authority in T20 cricket ahead of the World Cup.

With Abhishek continuing to terrorise bowling attacks and the middle order providing reliable support, the hosts signalled both depth and intent as they opened the series in commanding fashion.

India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I: Ball-By-Ball Commentary

India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I: Toss Update And Playing XIs

New Zealand have won the toss and have opted to field first against India.

Playing XIs

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

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

With PTI Inputs