Christchurch, October 22: Explosive batting by Sanju Samson powered India to a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand on Thursday, as the world champions completed their highest-ever successful chase in T20 internationals.
Chasing a challenging target of 226 runs, India reached 230 for six in 19.4 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The contest was a rematch of the 2026 T20 World Cup final.
Opener Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 67 off just 33 deliveries, setting the tone for India’s record-breaking run chase. His opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma proved decisive, as the duo smashed 93 runs during the powerplay, putting New Zealand’s bowling attack under immense pressure.
India’s previous highest successful T20 international chase was 211 runs against Sri Lanka in 2009.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner attempted to slow India’s momentum with disciplined spin bowling, while Michael Bracewell supported him by claiming crucial wickets during the middle overs.
However, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer held his nerve and kept the chase on track with a valuable 42 off 28 balls. He was dismissed in the penultimate over, but Naman Dhir produced a match-winning finish, smashing an unbeaten 42 off just 15 deliveries to take India across the line.
Earlier, New Zealand posted an imposing 225 for four after being asked to bat first. Finn Allen provided an aggressive start with 45 off 24 balls, while Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten on 82, delivering a powerful innings featuring impressive stroke play against India’s pace attack.
Bevon Jacobs also made an impact with a quickfire 31 off 16 balls, including a massive 96-metre six. Daryl Mitchell contributed 28 runs before being dismissed by Arshdeep Singh.
Despite New Zealand’s formidable total, India’s explosive start and composed finishing proved decisive.
Speaking after the match, Samson praised the team’s powerplay performance, highlighting how the rapid scoring in the opening six overs helped India gain control of the contest.
The second T20 international between the two sides will also take place in Christchurch on Saturday, with India looking to extend their series lead.
