After losing the ODI series, the Indian team made a strong start to the first T20 match played in Nagpur. The fearless manner in which the Indian team played made the New Zealand bowlers sweat. Abhishek Sharma (84), Rinku Singh (44), and Hardik Pandya (25) batted explosively, taking India to a mammoth total of 238 for 7.

This is their highest T20I score against New Zealand. Previously, India had scored 234 in Ahmedabad in 2023. Chasing 239, the Kiwis could only manage 190 for 7 in 20 overs. India won the match by 48 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The second match of the series will be played in Raipur on January 23rd.

A commanding performance! 🔝#TeamIndia win by 4⃣8⃣ runs in Nagpur to take a 1⃣-0⃣ lead in the 5-match T20I series 👏

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/ItzV352h5X#INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/BuAT0BluHk

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 21, 2026

Abhishek created a stir

World number one T20 batsman Abhishek Bachchan left the Kiwi bowlers helpless and the fielders mere spectators. Abhishek's blistering innings included eight sixes and five fours. His aggressive approach also allowed Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav (32) to play freely. The two shared a 99-run partnership for the third wicket in just 47 balls, providing a solid foundation for India's innings.

Most sixes by an Indian in T20Is

• Rohit Sharma: 205
• Suryakumar Yadav: 155
• Virat Kohli: 124
• Hardik Pandya: 106
• KL Rahul: 99
• Abhishek Sharma: 81
• Yuvraj Singh: 74

India suffered two setbacks in the first two overs.

India suffered early setbacks. Sanju Samson (10) and Ishan Kishan (8) couldn't convert their starts into big scores. When Abhishek Sharma finally got a chance to settle in, he never looked back. After playing cautiously against New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy for the first five balls, Abhishek made his intentions clear by hitting a huge six off the sixth ball. This six went straight towards the sightscreen. From there, it was like a rain of sixes.

Shots all around the field

Abhishek's biggest strength is his lightning-fast bat speed. New Zealand didn't have a fast bowler capable of matching his pace. Balls from Christian Clarke and Kyle Jamieson reached speeds of 130 kilometers per hour, but on a flat pitch, they flew into the crowd. Abhishek also displayed his prowess against spinner Glenn Phillips. He smashed four sixes early on and then hit his first three boundaries off Phillips. He completely dismantled New Zealand's fielding with his shots all around the field.

The captain batted cautiously

At the other end, captain Suryakumar Yadav struggled a bit. While he showed glimpses of the old Suryakumar, hitting a cover drive and a six behind square leg, he overall didn't seem to be in his element. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner tried to slow down the momentum and had Suryakumar caught at long on. But it had no effect on Abhishek. He continued to dominate the bowlers.

Isha Sodhi hunted

Abhishek's innings ended when he was bowled by Ish Sodhi's leg break, where he varied his length slightly, and Jamieson took a high catch. Indian fans didn't have to be disappointed after this, as Rinku Singh finally took charge. Rinku Singh played an impressive innings after a long time, scoring an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls with the help of 4 fours and 3 sixes. He notably scored 21 runs in Daryl Mitchell's last over to take India to a mammoth total of 238. This score was a special one for the Indian team, as despite losing two early wickets, the team made a remarkable comeback.

Highest score in T20I against New Zealand

• 245/5, Australia, Auckland, 2018
• 241/3, England, Napier, 2019
• 238/7, India, Nagpur, 2026
• 236/4, England, Christchurch, 2025
• 234/4, India, Ahmedabad, 2023

Bad start for the Kiwi team

Chasing a massive target of 239, the Kiwis suffered early setbacks. Arshdeep Singh had Devon Conway caught by wicketkeeper Sanju Samson off the second ball of the first over. Conway failed to score. In the second over, all-rounder Hardik Pandya dealt the Kiwis another blow.

A positive powerplay for #TeamIndia ☝️☝️

Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya with the wickets 🤝#NZ 50/2 after 6 overs.

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/ItzV352OVv#INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @arshdeepsinghh | @hardikpandya7 pic.twitter.com/PAvReQOzh8

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 21, 2026

Abhishek Sharma, stationed at slip, caught Rachin Ravindra off Hardik's bowling. Rachin faced 5 balls and could score only 1 run. New Zealand had scored 50 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the powerplay. As soon as the 6th over was over, captain Suryakumar Yadav handed the ball to Varun Chakravarthy. Varun did wonders as soon as he came in and sent Tim Robinson back to the pavilion on the third ball. Tim played an inning of 21 runs off 15 balls.

Phillips and Chapman took charge

After losing three quick wickets, Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman steadied the innings. Phillips began attacking the Indian bowlers, and the Indian team's troubles began to mount. However, Axar Patel eventually dismissed Phillips, who scored 78 runs off 40 balls. Phillips and Chapman shared a 79-run partnership.

Shivam Dubey missed out on a hat-trick

After Phillips' dismissal, Mark Chapman didn't stay at the crease for long, being caught out for 39. Varun provided India with the breakthrough. Shivam Dube delivered back-to-back wickets in the 20th over, dismissing Daryl Mitchell on the third ball and Christian Clarke on the fourth.

Captain Mitchell Santner remained unbeaten on 20. Varun Chakravarthy and Shivam Dube took two wickets each for India. Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh each took one wicket. Jasprit Bumrah remained unbeaten.

✌️ wickets in the last over 👏

Shivam Dube finishes #TeamIndia's bowling effort in fine fashion 🙌

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/ItzV352h5X#INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @IamShivamDube pic.twitter.com/tICsYGqTuN

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 21, 2026

 PC:Jagran