Ind vs NZ 1st T20 – Abhishek Sharma Powers India to 48-Run Win
The Ind vs NZ 1st T20 turned into a run-fest in Nagpur as India laid down an early marker in the series with a commanding 48-run victory. On a relaid surface that played far better than expected, India’s aggressive batting approach paid rich dividends, led by a breathtaking knock from Abhishek Sharma. New Zealand fought hard in the chase, but the target proved too steep, allowing India’s bowlers to close out the game comfortably.
Match Summary
India vs New Zealand – 1st T20I
New Zealand Tour of India 2026 • Nagpur
India posted a towering 238/7 after being asked to bat first, their second-highest T20I total against New Zealand. Abhishek Sharma’s fearless 84 off 35 balls set the tone, while late fireworks from Rinku Singh pushed the score well beyond expectations. In reply, New Zealand showed intent through Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman but lost momentum once partnerships were broken. Arshdeep Singh’s early strikes and Varun Chakaravarthy’s middle-overs control ensured the chase never fully caught fire. New Zealand eventually finished on 190/7, handing India a convincing win and a 1–0 series lead.
Playing XI
Pakistan’s public figures, ex-cricketers, and media personalities have come forward to support Naqvi’s audacious move. Figures like Shoaib Malik, Basit Ali, and even government-aligned journalists have framed his action as a stand against disrespect, not theft.
Playing XI
India:
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand:
Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Inning-wise Breakdown
First Innings – India - 238/7: Abhishek’s 22-ball Fifty Sparks Batting Avalanche
India’s innings exploded after early wickets, with Abhishek Sharma launching a brutal counterattack in the powerplay. He raced to the fastest T20I fifty by an Indian against New Zealand, striking eight sixes and keeping the bowlers under constant pressure. Suryakumar Yadav added momentum with a fluent cameo, while Hardik Pandya chipped in with quick runs. The real damage came at the death, where Rinku Singh plundered 21 runs in the final over, lifting India past 230 and leaving New Zealand with an imposing target on a batting-friendly surface.
Second Innings – New Zealand - 190/7: Phillips Fights, But Target Too Tall
New Zealand’s chase began poorly with Devon Conway dismissed early yet again by Arshdeep Singh. Glenn Phillips kept the contest alive with a powerful 78 off 40 balls, striking cleanly against both pace and spin. Mark Chapman supported him well, but once Phillips fell, the required rate ballooned beyond reach. India’s bowlers held their nerve despite some missed chances in the field. Arshdeep’s control up front and Varun Chakaravarthy’s clever variations in the middle overs ensured New Zealand never truly threatened to overhaul the massive target.
A commanding performance! 🔝#TeamIndia win by 4⃣8⃣ runs in Nagpur to take a 1⃣-0⃣ lead in the 5-match T20I series 👏
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 21, 2026
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/ItzV352h5X#INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/BuAT0BluHk
Top Performers
Abhishek Sharma – 84 off 35 | Player of the Match - Fastest Fifty vs NZ
Abhishek Sharma produced a statement innings, smashing 84 from just 35 deliveries to seize control of the match. His knock featured eight towering sixes and fearless intent from ball one. Abhishek dominated both seam and spin, stepping out confidently and picking his areas with clarity. The innings marked his seventh T20I fifty and reinforced his reputation as one of India’s most explosive openers. By the time he was dismissed, the damage was done, and India were cruising towards a match-winning total.
Rinku Singh – 44 off 20 | 213 Runs in Overs 19–20*
Going, going, GONE! 🚀
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 21, 2026
🎥 Rinku Singh with a fabulous final flourish to power #TeamIndia to 2⃣3⃣8⃣/7 👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/ItzV352h5X#INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @rinkusingh235 pic.twitter.com/BGTv4m3NxD
Rinku Singh once again proved why he is India’s most reliable finisher in T20 cricket. Walking in during the closing overs, he dismantled New Zealand’s death bowling with calculated aggression. His unbeaten 44 included clean hits into the leg side and precise placement against attempted wide yorkers. Remarkably, over a third of Rinku’s T20I runs have now come in the final two overs. His late surge transformed a strong total into a near-unassailable one.
Glenn Phillips – 78 off 40 | Lone Warrior in the Chase
Glenn Phillips was New Zealand’s standout performer, playing with power and purpose throughout his 78-run knock. He took on India’s premier bowlers, including Bumrah and Varun, and consistently found the boundary. Phillips’ ability to hit both straight and square kept New Zealand mathematically alive deep into the innings. However, with little support at the other end and the asking rate climbing rapidly, his dismissal effectively sealed the contest in India’s favour.
What This Result Means
The Ind vs NZ 1st T20 win gives India an early advantage in the series and underlines the depth and firepower of their T20 setup ahead of the World Cup. The performance showcased India’s evolving batting approach—fearless at the top and ruthless at the death—while also highlighting areas like fielding that still need tightening. For New Zealand, despite the loss, positives remain in Phillips’ form and the intent shown during the chase. However, their bowling at the death and inability to contain India’s middle order will be concerns going forward. With two matches still to play, the series remains alive, but India have firmly seized momentum.
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