Five stars shine as India crush New Zealand in Nagpur T20

India beat New Zealand by 48 runs in Nagpur T20I as Abhishek’s 84, Rinku’s 44*, and key spells from Arshdeep, Hardik, and Axar sealed victory

Nagpur witnessed a spectacular night of cricket as India defeated New Zealand by 48 runs in the opening T20I at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. Batting first after losing the toss, India piled up a mammoth 239 runs, leaving the visitors with a daunting chase. New Zealand fought hard but could only manage 190 for 7 in their allotted overs, handing India a commanding victory and a strong start to the series.

The foundation of India’s triumph was laid by young opener Abhishek Sharma, who played a blistering knock that electrified the crowd. With a strike rate of 240, he smashed 84 runs off just 35 balls, including eight towering sixes and five fours. His fearless batting set the tone for the innings and earned him the Man of the Match award.

Middle-order batsman Rinku Singh added further fireworks. Returning to the T20 side after a long gap, he showcased his finishing prowess with an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls. His innings, studded with four boundaries and three sixes, ensured India crossed the 230-run mark and kept the momentum alive.

On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh delivered a dream start. He struck in his very first over, conceding just one run and taking a crucial wicket. His disciplined spell in the powerplay, giving away only 13 runs in two overs, put New Zealand under immediate pressure.

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All-rounder Hardik Pandya contributed in both departments. With the bat, he scored a handy 25 off 16 balls, while his bowling added depth to India’s attack. His balanced performance reinforced his reputation as a key asset in the shortest format.

Meanwhile, Axar Patel played a decisive role despite being slightly expensive. He dismissed Glenn Phillips, who was threatening to turn the game around with a fiery 78 off 40 balls. That breakthrough effectively sealed New Zealand’s fate.

India’s emphatic win, powered by five standout performances, has set the tone for the series. The Nagpur crowd witnessed history as the team combined aggression, discipline, and resilience to outclass the Kiwis in a high-scoring thriller.

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