New Zealand v India: Samson and Dhir power record chase of 226 in Christchurch T20I opener

India began their five-match T20I series in New Zealand with a remarkable chase, scoring 230 for six to beat the hosts by four wickets with two balls left at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday. Glenn Phillips' unbeaten 82 had lifted New Zealand to 225 for four, but Sanju Samson's fast half-century and a calm finish from player of the match Naman Dhir gave the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Phillips leads New Zealand's batting

India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl. New Zealand made the most of the batting conditions. Finn Allen scored 45 from 24 balls at the top, and Phillips hit 82 not out from 40 balls through the middle and end of the innings.

Bevon Jacobs (31 from 16 balls), Daryl Mitchell (28) and Tim Seifert (24) also contributed as New Zealand reached 225 for four. India's bowlers found it hard to contain them; Bhuvneshwar Kumar went for 49 runs without taking a wicket.

Samson sets up the chase

India needed fast runs from the start and got them. Abhishek Sharma hit 29 from 12 balls before falling to Michael Bracewell, who was New Zealand's best bowler. Tilak Varma also fell cheaply to Bracewell, but Samson kept India up with the rate, scoring 67 from 33 balls before Mitchell Santner removed him.

Iyer added 42 before Adam Milne dismissed him, and Axar Patel hit 19 from nine balls. When Dhir came in, India still needed 59 from 33 balls.

Dhir finishes it

Dhir kept his composure as the pressure built and finished the match with a six off Matt Henry in the final over, ending unbeaten. It was the latest strong performance from the all-rounder, who has only recently made his international debut.

Outlook India said it was the highest successful run chase at Hagley Oval, and the visitors' total of 230 was the biggest score of the match. With both sides passing 220, Christchurch's short boundaries and good pitch could produce more high scores on Saturday.

Second T20I in Malaysia time

The teams stay in Christchurch for the second match on Saturday, 24 October. It starts at 12.30pm India time, which is 3pm in Malaysia. The series then moves to Wellington on 27 October and Eden Park in Auckland on 30 October before the final match.

For New Zealand, the main concern is the bowling. Bracewell aside, India's batters scored quickly against most of the attack, and they will want a better start with the new ball. India will hope their top order can again build on a strong platform.

Key takeaways

• India chased 226 to beat New Zealand by four wickets with two balls left in Christchurch.
• Glenn Phillips scored 82 not out from 40 balls in New Zealand's 225 for four.
• Sanju Samson made 67 from 33 balls; Naman Dhir hit the winning six and was player of the match.
• Michael Bracewell was the pick of New Zealand's bowlers.
• The second T20I starts at 3pm on Saturday, Malaysia time.

FAQ

Who won the first T20I between New Zealand and India? India won by four wickets with two balls remaining, chasing 226 at Hagley Oval.

What time is the second New Zealand v India T20I in Malaysia? It starts at 3pm Malaysia time on Saturday, 24 October, in Christchurch.

How many matches are in the series? It is a five-match T20I series, and India lead 1-0.

Sources: CricketNews.com, Outlook India, Telangana Today