India pulled off their highest-ever successful T20 run chase on Thursday, overcoming a challenging target of 225 to defeat New Zealand by four wickets in the first T20I at the Hagley Oval. Riding on a blistering 67 off 33 balls from Sanju Samson and an explosive late-game cameo from Naman Dhir (42 not out off 15), India chased down 230 with two balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand posted a formidable 225/8—equalling their highest-ever total against India—powered by an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls from Glenn Phillips and a quickfire 45 from Finn Allen. Despite a blistering 93-run opening partnership between Samson and Abhishek Sharma (29), India suffered a mid-innings collapse against spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, slipping to 122 for 4. However, captain Shreyas Iyer (42) anchored the chase before Dhir’s fearless striking sealed the victory.
