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In a high-octane series opener at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur (January 21, 2026), India secured a commanding 48-run victory over New Zealand to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Batting first, the Men in Blue posted a mammoth 238/7, their highest-ever T20I total against the Black Caps, driven by a scintillating 84 from Abhishek Sharma and a late flourish by Rinku Singh. Despite early setbacks, India’s aggressive intent never wavered, setting a target that proved too steep for the visitors.
New Zealand’s chase was kept alive by a defiant half-century from Glenn Phillips, but the disciplined Indian bowling attack, led by Varun Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep Singh, ensured the required run rate remained out of reach. With this clinical win, India have sent a clear message as they refine their combinations for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Abhishek Sharma’ batting masterclass anchors India’s record total against New Zealand in 1st T20I
The foundation of India’s victory was laid by world No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek, who produced a breathtaking 84 off just 35 deliveries. After New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to field, India lost Sanju Samson (10) and Ishan Kishan (8) early, but Abhishek refused to let the pressure build. He reached his half-century in a blistering 22 balls, marking his seventh T20I fifty and taking a particular liking to the spin of Glenn Phillips and the pace of Kyle Jamieson.
His innings was a symphony of power-hitting, featuring 8 sixes and 5 fours as he shared a 99-run partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav (32). Even after Abhishek fell in the 12th over, the momentum didn’t shift; Hardik Pandya chipped in with a brisk 25 before Rinku took over the finishing duties. Rinku smashed an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls, including a massive 21-run final over against Daryl Mitchell, to propel India to 238/7. Jacob Duffy was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers with 2/27, but the rest of the attack struggled to contain the Indian onslaught on a flat Nagpur deck.
Glenn Phillips’ lone fightback highlight New Zealand’s chase
New Zealand’s pursuit of 239 got off to a disastrous start on the very second ball of the innings, thanks to a moment of pure magic from Sanju Samson. Arshdeep Singh bowled a fullish, wide delivery that Devon Conway chased with a cover drive; the resulting thick outside edge flew low to the left of the keeper. In a display of elite reflexes, Samson executed a full-length horizontal dive to pluck the ball one-handed just inches above the grass, effort that dismissed Conway for a duck.
New Zealand’s woes deepened as Hardik removed Rachin Ravindra shortly after, leaving them reeling at 1/2. However, Phillips kept the Kiwis in the hunt with a ferocious 78 off 40 balls, smashing 6 sixes and keeping the scoreboard ticking during the middle overs alongside Mark Chapman (39). The chase eventually faltered when Varun (2/36) and Axar Patel removed the set batters in quick succession. Despite some late resistance from Mitchell Santner, New Zealand finished on 190/9, handing India a comprehensive 48-run win and a perfect start to the home season.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Abhishek Sharma snd Samson at the top, Rinku Sungh at the finish, SkY and Pandya in the middle, India’s explosive batting line-up will be the dread of all teams in the T20 WC
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah)
This team is such a joy to watch.
Full of aate hee kaam shuru kar diye energy. Well played 👏👏— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14)
Abhishek is a very high risk batter but to think he's the most consistent in this batter Indian team… Man really sets the tone most games upfront
— arfan (@Im__Arfan)
In the last two years, no one has proved me more wrong than Abhishek Sharma. I mean I never said he is a bad player, but I always had it in my mind that this approach might fail in big matches, when bowlers would bowl with proper plans and according to the conditions. But this…
— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination)
Abhishek Sharma sets a new record for India 🏏
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Abhishek Sharma always reads the situation perfect and tries to do what's needed – he tries to hit a six. There's no other situation in T20. Every ball has to go for six. Anything else is suboptimal. Its what a player should aspire to if they want to be top T20 player.
— cricketingview (@cricketingview)
Proper todfod! 💥
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL)
Glenn Phillips, please spare us. I have told all my eight kids that we are dominating in T20Is. Don't make me look bad.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer)
That Glenn Phillips innings gave me joy as a GT fan knowing how little batting my team has in the middle order
— Shreya (@shreyamatsharma)
I've said it many times before, and I'll continue to say it every time he goes ballistic.
Glenn Phillips is an absolute monster in white ball cricket.
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango)
Also READ: REVEALED: The ‘Bangladesh’ reason behind James Neesham absence from IND vs NZ 1st T20I in Nagpur
