Opener Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 84 off just 35 balls laid the foundation for India’s convincing 48-run victory over New Zealand in the first of five T20 internationals on Wednesday.
Abhishek smashed eight sixes during a breathtaking innings that gave India early momentum, while a late unbeaten 44 from Rinku Singh ensured the hosts posted a formidable 238 for 7 after being asked to bat first.
In reply, New Zealand were restricted to 190 for 7, with regular wickets halting their chase as India took a 1-0 lead in the series, which serves as a warm-up ahead of the T20 World Cup starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Glenn Phillips fought valiantly with a 78 off 40 balls, sharing a 79-run partnership with Mark Chapman (39) that briefly revived New Zealand’s hopes.
However, Phillips’ dismissal in the 14th over to Axar Patel ended the visitors’ challenge, despite some sloppy fielding by India.
Spinner Varun Chakravarthy claimed two key wickets, including Tim Robinson (21) and Chapman, while Shivam Dube capped the innings with two wickets in two balls in the final over.
The second T20I will be played on Friday in Raipur.