India Pull Off a Record T20I Chase to Beat New Zealand by 4 Wickets in Christchurch
Sanju Samson hit 67 off 33 balls and Player of the Match Naman Dhir 42 not out off 15 as India chased 226 with two balls to spare to lead the five-match series 1-0.
By Sham Rathi ·
India chased down a record target of 226 to beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first T20 International at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on 22 October 2026, and lead the five-match series 1-0.
New Zealand post 225
India's captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl. New Zealand made 225 for 4, led by Glenn Phillips, who hit 82 not out off 40 balls with eight fours and three sixes. Finn Allen added 45 off 24 balls, and New Zealand scored 67 runs in the last five overs.
Samson and Dhir lead the chase
Sanju Samson set up the chase with a blazing 67 off 33 balls, and captain Shreyas Iyer chipped in with 42. With the game in the balance, Naman Dhir took charge with 42 not out off just 15 balls, and India reached 230 for 6 with two balls to spare. Abhishek Sharma (29 off 12) and Axar Patel (19 off 9) also played quick knocks. Michael Bracewell was New Zealand's best bowler.
Naman Dhir was named Player of the Match. The second T20I is on Saturday, 24 October, at the same ground, starting at 12:30 pm Indian time.
Questions and answers
Who won the 1st T20I between India and New Zealand in October 2026?
India won the 1st T20I against New Zealand by 4 wickets at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on 22 October 2026.
What was the score in the India vs New Zealand 1st T20I 2026?
New Zealand made 225 for 4 in 20 overs. India chased it, reaching 230 for 6 with two balls to spare.
Who was Player of the Match in the India vs New Zealand 1st T20I 2026?
Naman Dhir was Player of the Match for his 42 not out off 15 balls.
How many runs did Sanju Samson score in the India vs New Zealand 1st T20I 2026?
Sanju Samson scored 67 off 33 balls.
Who was New Zealand's top scorer in the 1st T20I against India in 2026?
Glenn Phillips was New Zealand's top scorer with 82 not out off 40 balls.
Who is the captain of India in the T20I series against New Zealand in 2026?
Shreyas Iyer is captaining India, and Mitchell Santner is New Zealand's captain.
When is the 2nd T20I between India and New Zealand in 2026?
The 2nd T20I is on 24 October 2026 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, starting at 12:30 pm IST.
