Nagpur: Riding on a breathtaking assault from Abhishek Sharma and a late blitz by Rinku Singh, India crushed New Zealand by 48 runs in the first T20 International here today to take an early 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
India posted a daunting 238 for seven after being put in to bat at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, their highest T20 total against New Zealand. Abhishek set the tone with a scintillating 84 off just 35 balls, racing to a half-century in 22 deliveries and dismantling the Kiwi attack at the top. Despite losing a couple of early wickets, the momentum never dipped, with Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya ensuring stability through the middle overs.
The innings gathered fresh pace at the death as Rinku Singh unleashed an unbeaten 44 from 20 balls, propelling India beyond the 230-mark. The late surge turned a strong platform into a near-unassailable total, giving the bowlers ample cushion.
New Zealand’s chase began with intent, but the asking rate kept climbing. Glenn Phillips mounted a lone resistance with a powerful 78, while Mark Chapman added 39, yet the target proved too steep. Varun Chakaravarthy and Shivam Dube struck twice each, applying pressure through the middle overs and preventing any sustained partnership. The visitors eventually closed at 190 for seven, falling well short.
Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his blistering 84 off just 35 balls, along with two sharp catches in the field. Speaking at the presentation, the opener said India had been clear in its approach from the outset. “We had a plan from day one and are just following it. If you want to strike at 200, you have to carry intent,” he said, adding that opposition teams now come prepared for him. “All teams have a plan for me. It’s about my preparation and backing my instinct. I don’t see my role as high-risk. I’ve been practising to go big in the first six overs.”
The victory handed India a commanding start to the series, which also serves as their final build-up before defending the T20 World Cup title. With the batting firing in full flow and the bowling unit responding under pressure, the hosts sent a clear message ahead of the remaining matches.
