IND vs NZ 1st T20I: Abhishek Sharma stars as India beat New Zealand by 48 runs

India won by a dominant all-round performance against New Zealand by 48 runs in the first T20I. India successfully defended a massive total and kept the visitors under pressure throughout the chase.

Regular wickets and tight bowling ensured New Zealand were restricted to 190/7, sealing a convincing win for the hosts.

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India’s batting lineup posted a massive 238/7 against New Zealand. The hosts powered through the starting overs with relentless hitting.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to field, with India batting first in the series opener.

This series marks the final assignment for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8. With preparations entering the final phase, both teams will be keen to lock in combinations and build momentum before the global event.

New Zealand arrive in India riding a historic high. The visitors recently sealed their first-ever bilateral ODI series victory on Indian soil, winning the three-match series 2-1 and ending a 37-year wait. That success came close on the heels of a Test series win in late 2024, making New Zealand the first visiting team to defeat India in both Tests and ODIs within a short span.

In T20 internationals, India holds a narrow edge, having won 15 of the 25 matches played between the two sides, while New Zealand has claimed 10 victories. At the Nagpur venue, the teams have met only once, during the 2016 T20 World Cup, when New Zealand famously bowled India out for 79.

The second T20I of the series will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur.