India won by four wickets with two balls remaining against New Zealand in the first T20I on Thursday, October 22, with Player of the Match Sanju Samson leading the chase with 67. India reached 230/6 in 19.4 overs after New Zealand posted 225/4, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
Phillips powers New Zealand to 225
Glenn Phillips supplied the biggest individual innings of the match, scoring 82 as New Zealand set India a target of 226. Finn Allen contributed 45 and Bevon Jacobs added 31, giving the hosts three substantial contributions in a total that demanded sustained aggression from the visitors.
New Zealand lost only four wickets across their 20 overs. Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel took one wicket apiece for India, but the hosts still finished with a formidable 225/4. Phillips’ innings was central to that imposing position.
Samson anchors India’s successful pursuit
Samson answered with 67, the highest score in India’s innings, while Naman Dhir and Shreyas Iyer each made 42. Their combined 151 runs provided the substance of a chase in which India had to balance the required scoring rate against a steady threat of wickets.
New Zealand’s spin pair made the pursuit anything but straightforward. Michael Bracewell claimed 2/37 from four overs and Mitchell Santner returned 2/39 from four, accounting for four of India’s six wickets while keeping their economy rates below 10 runs an over.
The seamers endured a more expensive outing. Lockie Ferguson took 1/34 from three overs and Adam Milne finished with 1/43 from three. Nathan Smith conceded 20 from two wicketless overs, while Matt Henry returned 0/57 from 3.4 overs.
Those contrasting returns told the story of the contest: New Zealand’s spinners provided control and breakthroughs, but India scored heavily enough elsewhere to complete the chase in the final over. Their finishing total of 230/6 sealed a tense opening victory with two deliveries to spare.
Key performers
- Sanju Samson: Made 67 in India’s successful chase and was named Player of the Match.
- Glenn Phillips: Top-scored across both sides with 82 in New Zealand’s 225/4.
- Naman Dhir and Shreyas Iyer: Contributed 42 runs each for India.
- Finn Allen and Bevon Jacobs: Added 45 and 31 respectively for New Zealand.
- Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner: Took 2/37 and 2/39 respectively, each from four overs.
NerdSports Stat: New Zealand’s spinners took four wickets for 76 runs in eight overs; their seamers combined for two wickets for 154 runs in 11.4 overs.
India take the early series advantage
As the opening fixture of the tour, this result establishes India’s 1-0 T20I lead rather than deciding the series. Four T20Is remain, with New Zealand’s first opportunity to respond coming on Saturday, October 24. The remaining T20Is follow on October 27, October 30 and November 1.
The 11-match tour then moves into four ODIs, beginning on November 3, before two Tests starting on November 18 and November 26.
Frequently Asked Questions
India won the match by four wickets with two balls remaining, reaching 230/6 in reply to New Zealand’s 225/4.
Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for his 67 in India’s successful chase.
India lead the five-match T20I series 1-0, with four matches remaining.
Glenn Phillips top-scored with 82 runs for New Zealand.
New Zealand face India in the second T20I on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
