India overcome New Zealand fightback to win T20 opener

Oct 22 : India overcame a spirited New Zealand fightback after a blazing start to secure a thrilling four-wicket victory in Christchurch on Thursday and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 series.

India survived a mid-innings wobble in a 226-run chase after openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma laid the platform, with Shreyas Iyer's contribution reviving the chase and Naman Dhir applying the finishing touches to seal victory in 19.4 overs.

"When they (openers) click, they set up the game for us and the rest of us try to steady the ship and finish," India captain Iyer said. "He (Dhir) gives us lots of options. I personally feel the calm and composed nature he showed tonight, it was magnificent."

Put in to bat, New Zealand made the most of favourable conditions as openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen set the tone before Glenn Phillips produced a dazzling knock to propel the hosts to 225-4.

The total was New Zealand's biggest T20 score against India on home soil, but the visitors completed their highest-ever successful run chase despite a stuttering middle phase.

Samson and Abhishek stitched together a 93-run opening stand, with Samson hammering 67 off 33 balls, including eight fours and four sixes, as India surged to 94-1 in the powerplay.

New Zealand hit back by removing three batters in quick succession, but Iyer countered with 42 off 28 balls to wrest back the momentum, before a late flourish from Dhir (42 not out)took India over the line.

"They (India openers) put us under pressure. Another big powerplay from them. We were not at our best," New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said.

"In the middle, we did well to squeeze them. Tight game and both teams might look at things that could have gone here or there."

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