India beat New Zealand by four wickets in Christchurch on Thursday, chasing 226 with two balls remaining in a rematch of the T20 World Cup final. Opener Sanju Samson led the charge with 67 from 33 balls, helping India overhaul their highest-ever T20 total.
India now lead the five-match series 1-0. The second match is also scheduled for Christchurch, on Saturday.
Samson and Abhishek Sharma launch India’s chase
Samson and opening partner Abhishek Sharma added 93 runs in the powerplay, attacking a New Zealand seam attack that is highly regarded. Their aggressive start looked set to run away with the chase.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner slowed the innings, bowling three tight overs through the middle stages. Spinner Michael Bracewell joined him, and the pair took four wickets in five overs.
Samson’s dismissal, chopping on from Santner, left India needing a steady hand. Captain Shreyas Iyer provided that, finding the boundary when required. He was out for 42 from 28 balls in the second-to-last over, and Naman Dhir finished the job with 42 from 15 balls.
Allen, Phillips and Mitchell drive New Zealand’s innings
India won the toss and chose to bowl, hoping to use the late evening dew during the chase rather than relying on the Hagley Oval pitch. New Zealand’s Finn Allen and Tim Seifert got off to a quick start, and the hosts reached 65 for one at the end of the powerplay.
Allen hit five fours and two sixes in his 45 off 24 balls before falling to Axar Patel in the eighth over. Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell then combined well, forcing India’s bowlers to change their lengths. Mitchell was dropped by Abhishek on 16 but was caught top-edging off Arshdeep Singh for 28.
Bevon Jacobs struck a 96-metre six with his first ball faced and scored 31 from 16 balls. Phillips was the most destructive batter, finishing unbeaten on 82 with a mix of cutting and pulling against the seamers.
