India | January 2026
India opened their five-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand with a dominant 48-run victory at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Wednesday night.
Electing to bat first, India posted a mammoth 238 for 7 in their 20 overs, powered by a breathtaking innings from opener Abhishek Sharma. The left-handed batter scored 84 runs off just 35 balls, including eight sixes and five fours, setting the tone for a high-scoring encounter. Abhishek’s aggressive strokeplay helped India race to a formidable total that proved too hot for the visitors.
Late in the innings, Rinku Singh provided a rapid finish, remaining unbeaten on 44 off 20 balls, adding crucial late-over momentum to India’s total.
In reply, New Zealand struggled early in their chase. They slipped to 52 for 3 inside the seventh over after losing key wickets quickly, with India’s bowlers consistently applying pressure.
Glenn Phillips offered resistance with a gritty 78 off 40 deliveries, featuring several well-timed boundaries, while Mark Chapman contributed 39 runs in support. However, once Phillips was dismissed, New Zealand were unable to sustain the required run rate, ultimately finishing on 190 for 7.
India’s bowlers were disciplined throughout, with Shivam Dube and Varun Chakravarthy among the wicket-takers as they stemmed the Kiwi run-chase at key moments.
The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the T20I series, and the teams now turn their attention to the second match, scheduled to be played in Raipur on Friday.