Last Updated:
India defeated Latest Zealand by 48 runs in the primary T20I, led by Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 84, taking a 1-0 series lead.
India beat Latest Zealand by 48 runs in 1st T20I (PTI)
India clinched a commanding 48-run victory over Latest Zealand within the opening T20I on the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday, to take a 1-0 lead within the five-match series.
With just 4 games to go for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the dominating win assured Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav that each one is well.
India Vs Latest Zealand: 1st T20 – Highlights
The skipper on the post-match presentation sounded confident when asked about India’s strategy of getting eight batting options and three strike bowlers.
“I mean, it looks good. It’s been working for me as a team, and so if it’s working, let’s proceed with that,” SKY said at the tip of the match.
The batters’ attacking intent from ball one reinforced this approach. Despite losing Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan early, Abhishek Sharma launched a spectacular counter-attack. His 84 off just 35 balls, including eight sixes, completely shifted the momentum. Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and Suryakumar himself ensured that the pressure remained constant, with Rinku’s unbeaten 44 in the ultimate overs boosting India to a formidable total of 238/7.
Within the chase, Latest Zealand were destabilised early by the dismissals of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, though Glenn Phillips fought back with a formidable 78 off 40 balls. India’s combination of pace and spin secured wickets at crucial moments. Varun Chakaravarthy took two wickets, Shivam Dube claimed two critical scalps on the death.
“I feel it’s all the time good after we get those numbers on the board, and if there’s a bit of little bit of dew on the board, I feel that’s an enormous positive. And the way in which we batted, even after after we were put under pressure within the powerplay, we were 25-2, after which we took the sport till the fifteenth over, after which we never stopped all of the batters,” Suryakumar Yadav said.
Dropped Too Many?
When asked in regards to the dropped catches by the Indian fielders, Suryakumar didn’t need to be too harsh on his teammates but stressed the necessity for improvement.
“I feel with such a heavy dew, just a few lines here and there, I mean, I’m just supporting my fielders. But yeah, I mean, we keep improving that one department. We try to improve all the time after we tackle the sector. So very glad with the hassle from the boys,” Suryakumar said.
Nagpur, India, India
January 21, 2026, 23:34 IST
Read More