India complete record chase to beat New Zealand

Sanju Samson's blistering half-century put India on course before a sensational finishing masterclass by Naman Dhir secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening T20I at Hagley Oval, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Chasing a daunting target of 226, India pulled off their highest-ever successful run chase in T20I history, reaching 230/6 with two balls to spare.

While Samson's 33-ball 67 anchored the top order and laid a formidable foundation, a mid-innings collapse threatened to derail the visitors before Dhir's power-hitting 15-ball 42* got them across the line in a high-octane Christchurch thriller.

Reflecting on the record-breaking pursuit, the performance underscored India's depth under pressure on a true Hagley Oval surface where boundaries flowed freely throughout the evening.

New Zealand had earlier set a formidable total of 225/4 after Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field. The Blackcaps top order set a relentless pace from the outset, with Finn Allen kickstarting the fireworks via a quickfire 45 off 24 deliveries alongside Tim Seifert.

While India managed brief breakthroughs through Mayank Yadav and Axar Patel, Glenn Phillips seized total control of the middle and death overs.

Displaying exceptional power and timing, Phillips smashed an unbeaten 82 from just 40 balls, striking eight boundaries and three maximums. Supported by Daryl Mitchell's brisk 28 off 19, Phillips propelled the hosts past the 220-run mark.

India's response began in blistering fashion. Opening the innings, Samson and Abhishek Sharma wasted no time, plundering 68 runs in the first four overs to keep the required rate firmly in check.

Samson was in pristine touch, reaching his half-century in style and dictating terms against the pace attack.

However, New Zealand fought back fiercely through their spin options. Michael Bracewell broke the opening stand by removing Abhishek for 29, before Blackcaps skipper Mitchell Santner struck twice in quick succession to remove Samson and Ishan Kishan.

From a comfortable 93/0, India suddenly found themselves reeling at 122/4 midway through the chase.

With the required run rate steadily climbing, Shreyas Iyer (42 off 28) and Axar Patel (24 off 14) combined to reignite India's hopes, launching a 20-run counter-attack against Matt Henry in the 14th over.

When Iyer fell in the penultimate over with 15 runs still required, Naman Dhir stepped up to the plate.

The right-hander produced a breathtaking, unbeaten cameo, dispatching the bowling with supreme confidence.

Needing just three runs from the final four deliveries, Dhir launched Henry over deep fine leg for a maximum to seal a historic victory for the visitors.

The action now moves forward as both sides prepare for the second encounter of the series.

Series Schedule:

• First T20I: Hagley Oval, Christchurch (India won by 4 wickets)

• Second T20I: 24 Oct, Christchurch

• Third T20I: 27 Oct, Wellington

• Fourth T20I: 30 Oct, Auckland

• Fifth T20I: 1 Nov, Hamilton