Nagpur, Jan 21, 2026 — India kickstarted their final leg of T20 World Cup preparations in spectacular fashion, defeating New Zealand by 48 runs in the first T20I at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium. On a night where the bat dominated the ball, Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 84 off just 35 balls ensured the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. This match, part of the India vs New Zealand 1st T20I 2026, showcased the team’s potential and will be remembered as a highlight in the India vs New Zealand 1st T20I 2026 history.
The Batting Blitz: India Sets a Record Total
This match marks the exciting beginning of the India vs New Zealand 1st T20I 2026 series, promising thrilling encounters ahead.
After being put into bat by Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner, India faced early jitters. Sanju Samson (10) and the returning Ishan Kishan (8) fell cheaply within the first three overs, leaving India at 27/2.
However, what followed was a masterclass in modern T20 power-hitting. Abhishek Sharma took the game by the scruff of its neck, smashing a 22-ball half-century—the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand. Alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 22), who was playing his 100th T20I, Sharma stitched together a rapid 99-run stand.
Even after Sharma’s departure in the 12th over (84 runs; 5 fours, 8 sixes), India didn’t take their foot off the gas. Rinku Singh played the finisher’s role to perfection, hammering an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls, including a 21-run assault on Daryl Mitchell in the final over. India finished on 238/7, their highest-ever T20I total against the Black Caps.
The Chase: Phillips Fights a Lone Battle
New Zealand’s pursuit of 239 started disastrously. Arshdeep Singh dismissed Devon Conway for a duck in the first over, and Hardik Pandya followed up by removing Rachin Ravindra shortly after.
Glenn Phillips kept the visitors’ hopes alive with a defiant 78 off 40 balls. He found a capable partner in Mark Chapman (39), and the duo shared a 79-run partnership that briefly threatened the Indian total. However, the introduction of Varun Chakravarthy (2/37) and Axar Patel (1/27) proved decisive. Once Phillips was caught in the 14th over, the momentum shifted back to India.
Shivam Dube capped off the night with two wickets in the final over, restricting New Zealand to 190/7.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Top Performers |
| India | 238/7 (20) | Abhishek Sharma (84), Rinku Singh (44*) |
| New Zealand | 190/7 (20) | Glenn Phillips (78), Jacob Duffy (2/27) |
Result: India won by 48 runs.
Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma.
What’s Next?
The series now moves to Raipur for the second T20I on Friday, January 23. While India will be delighted with their batting intent, the team management might keep a close eye on Axar Patel, who appeared to suffer a minor finger injury while fielding.
“We wanted to play with freedom, and Abhishek set the tone perfectly. It’s a great start to the series as we look toward the World Cup.” — Suryakumar Yadav, Indian Captain
