In a high-octane start to the T20 series, India flexed its batting muscle to set New Zealand 239 runs in the first match at Nagpur’s VCA Stadium. Seeking redemption after the ODI whitewash, Suryakumar Yadav’s men delivered fireworks, with Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 84 stealing the show.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner saw his bowlers tested early. Sanju Samson perished for 10 (2×4) in the second over, followed by Ishan Kishan’s 8 off 5 balls. At 27/2, pressure mounted, but Suryakumar and Abhishek countered with a 99-run blitz in 47 balls.
Suryakumar’s 32 (4×4, 1×6) off 22 ended prematurely, but Abhishek rampaged on – 84 from 35 deliveries, including 8 massive sixes and 5 fours. He notched his 5,000th T20 run amid the carnage. Hardik Pandya’s quick 25 (3×4, 1×6) off 16 set the stage for Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 44 (4×4, 3×6) off 20, pushing the total to 238/7.
New Zealand’s attack: Duffy and Jamieson (2/ each), Clarke, Sodhi, Santner (1/ each). The Black Caps must now chase history in a dew-affected game. India’s middle-order firepower signals ominous form ahead in the series.