Christchurch (New Zealand): Sanju Samson and Naman Dhir starred as India chased down New Zealand’s 225/4 to secure a four-wicket victory in the opening T20I at Hagley Oval on Thursday, October 22. India reached 230/6 in 19.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Samson smashed 67 off 33 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes, while Dhir remained unbeaten on 42 off just 15 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes. Captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 42 off 28 balls, while Abhishek Sharma provided a brisk start with 29 off 12 deliveries.

India raced to 94/1 in the Powerplay but lost momentum in the middle overs as New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell struck at crucial moments. Axar Patel’s 24 off 14 balls and Iyer’s innings helped revive the chase before Dhir delivered the decisive blows in the closing overs. Samson was named Player of the Match.

Earlier, New Zealand posted a formidable total after being asked to bat first. Glenn Phillips led the innings with an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, while Finn Allen scored 45 off 24 deliveries. Bevon Jacobs added 31 off 16 balls to strengthen the hosts’ total.

India’s bowling struggled in the absence of rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Axar conceded 51 runs in four overs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, returning to international cricket after nearly four years, finished wicketless with figures of 0/49.

India’s successful chase gave them an early advantage in the series, with the second T20I scheduled for October 24 in Christchurch.