India beats New Zealand in T20 chase down to final balls
India chased 226 runs with just two balls left, with Samson's 67 and Dhir's unbeaten 42 leading the way.
India overcame a wobble in the middle to win by four wickets in Christchurch and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma gave India a strong start with a 93-run opening stand, Samson striking 67 off 33 balls with eight fours and four sixes.
New Zealand clawed back by taking three quick wickets, but Shreyas Iyer's 42 off 28 balls steadied the chase. Naman Dhir sealed victory with an unbeaten 42, hitting the winning runs off the second-last ball.
India's total was their highest successful T20 run chase. New Zealand had posted 225 for four, with Glenn Phillips unbeaten on 82 off 40 balls, the hosts' biggest T20 score against India on home soil.
- 226 runs
- Target chased
- 67 off 33 balls
- Samson's strike rate
- 82 not out off 40 balls
- Phillips' score
- Christchurch
- Location
Why it mattersIndia proves they can chase massive totals under pressure, a key skill in T20 cricket.
AustraliaAustralian cricket fans get a reminder that strong opening partnerships and late-order finishing decide T20 contests.
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