Sanju Samson continued his impressive run this calendar year with a blistering 67 off 33 balls as India completed their highest successful chase in T20 cricket, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the series opener in Christchurch on Thursday.
New Zealand came out to bat first and went all guns blazing with a formidable 225/8. Finn Allen had an explosive start with 45 off 24 balls and Glenn Phillips bounced back on 82 off only 40 balls to get the hosts in the game, setting the target high.
The Indian bowlers had a tough time holding the Kiwis making it a tough target for the visitors, 226. But Samson gave India a flying start, and they were soon on 94 for one in the powerplay, leading the course of the chase.
It was a dramatic turn in the middle overs, though, after New Zealand’s spinners, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, induced a collapse. The host India managed to have three wickets for seven runs, bringing the game back to them and making the task of the chasing side more difficult.
Captain Shreyas Iyer added 42 and Naman Dhir lifted India off the deck with an unbeaten 42 from 15 deliveries. The visitors eventually crossed the finish line two deliveries shy, to give them a memorable four-wicket victory.
Second T20 on Saturday
The victory will give India the opening glimpse of an advantage in the five match series and reflect the team’s ability to bounce back when under pressure.
The second T20 International at Hagley Oval on Saturday will be a cat-and-mouse game with New Zealand trying to even the series and India setting itself up for a good win.