India’s batsmen turned Nagpur into a run-fest, slamming 238/7 to hand New Zealand a towering 239-run challenge in the T20I series opener. Post-ODI setback, this performance underscored Team India’s depth, with Abhishek Sharma’s eight-six onslaught etching his name in lights.
Toss winner Mitchell Santner bowled first, striking twice quickly: Samson 10 (7 balls, 2×4), Kishan 8 (5 balls). Down at 27/2 after powerplay jitters, Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 22: 4×4, 1×6) and Abhishek Sharma resurrected with 99 runs in 47 balls.
Abhishek’s 84 off 35 was pure destruction – 5 fours, 8 sixes – crossing 5,000 T20 runs. Pandya’s 25 off 16 added punch, then Rinku’s 44* off 20 (4×4, 3×6) finished strongly. NZ bowlers Duffy, Jamieson took 2 wickets apiece; others one each.
As dew factors in, New Zealand’s chase looms large. India’s bold template could dominate the series, blending youth verve with finishing nous.