Sanju Samson celebrates after scoring 50 runs during the T20 cricket international between New Zealand and India in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Sanju Samson continued his consistent run in T20Is this year with a 67 off 33 balls as India pulled off their highest successful chase in T20 cricket, beating New Zealand by four wickets in the first match of the five-game series in Christchurch on Thursday. Chasing 226, India got off to a flying start but lost their way in the middle overs before captain Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir helped them cross the finish line with two balls to spare. Shreyas scored 42, while Naman remained unbeaten on 42 off just 15 deliveries. India looked in control after racing to 94/1 in the powerplay, with Samson leading the charge. From 93 without loss, the visitors slipped to 122/4 in the 11th over. He struck eight fours and four sixes in his 67, registering his eighth score of 50 or more in 26 innings this year. Earlier, New Zealand posted 225/8 after being asked to bat, with Finn Allen scoring 45 off 24 balls and Glenn Phillips making an unbeaten 82 off 40. Tim Seifert, who made 24 off 17 balls, attacked Bhuvneshwar Kumar after the Indian pacer bowled a decent first over. Seifert struck two fours and a six over long-on in Bhuvneshwar’s next over, which cost 17 runs.
However, New Zealand spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell brought the hosts back into the game, as India lost three wickets for seven runs. He targeted the straight boundary regularly, with his flick off Lockie Ferguson over long-on standing out. The total was New Zealand’s highest on home soil and the joint-highest score against India in T20Is. Despite some early swing, the New Zealand openers found ways to score freely.
New Zealand scored 67 runs in the final five overs, setting India a target of 226. However, Samson’s innings and the late contributions from Shreyas and Naman ensured the visitors began the series with a win.