India vs New Zealand 1st T20I, Highlights: Samson, Iyer, Naman Dhir power IND to historic victory in record chase

India vs New Zealand Highlights 1st T20I: IND pulled off their biggest T20I run chase ever as a win helped them take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series

Sanju Samson earned the player of the match for his fifty (ANI)

India vs New Zealand Highlights 1st T20I: India defeated New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series by pulling off their highest successful run-chase in T20I history, as they chased down 226 runs. Sanju Samson was the star of the show with a 64-run knock. After suffering a batting collapse, the innings was pulled out of that by Shreyas Iyer (42). Naman Dhir provided momentum with a fiery knock at the back end of the innings (42)....Read More

Follow all the updates here:

• 22 Oct 2026, 04:42:11 PM IST

  HISTORIC WIN FOR INDIA!!

  Naman Dhir played a gem of a knock right at the end, as he slammed 42 runs from 15 balls, and ensured that India did not stutter at the end. The Men in Blue thus chased down 226 with two balls remaining. This is now the highest successful run chase for India in T20I history, surpassing the 211 that they chased down vs Sri Lanka way back in 2009.

• 22 Oct 2026, 04:33:12 PM IST

  Shreyas Iyer departs!!

  Shreyas Iyer was looking pretty good alongside Naman Dhir, as he was nearing a half-century and guiding India to a big win. However, Adam Milne had other plans, as with just two overs to go, he dimsissed Iyer. Naman Dhir is looking good and timing the ball well, as he now holds the key if the Men in Blue aim to pull off this run chase of 226.

• 22 Oct 2026, 04:23:40 PM IST

  Naman Dhir eases pressure!!

  With Shreyas Iyer feeling the heat at one end of the crease, someone needed to step up at the other end as well. Naman Dhir has done exactly that, as he hit a boundary and a six off the best bowler of the night, Mitchell Santner, as the required run rate now falls below 10 in the final three overs of the match.

• 22 Oct 2026, 04:13:31 PM IST

  India lose five wickets

  Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer were going pretty well as they were nearing a fifty run partnership. However, it was Lockie Ferguson who struck for New Zealand, Axar was removed after scoring 24 runs. With just two more known batters coming in, the onus ndefinitely falls on Shreyas Iyer as he would look to navigate the back end of the run chase for India.

• 22 Oct 2026, 04:02:13 PM IST

  Axar, Shreyas steady innings

  After 6 overs, India were 94/1. Now they are 146/4 after 13 overs, meaning the last 42 balls have yielded just 52 runs. That's what a cluster of wickets can do to a seemingly cruising chase. However, Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer are bringing in their experience into play as they are building a steady partnership after this collapse.

• 22 Oct 2026, 03:51:26 PM IST

  Mini collapse for India!!

  India have sufferred a batting collapse after getting off to a rollicking start. The introduction of spin has worked magic for New Zealand with Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner absolutely spinning a web around them. Santner now takes his second wicket, as the in-form Ishan Kishan departs cheaply. The onus now falls upon the experienced duo of captain Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel in the middle.

• 22 Oct 2026, 03:44:00 PM IST

  Samson departs, Tilak follows shortly

  New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has turned the game around with a pretty neat over, where he gave away just three runs. However, the biggest blow in the over came when he picked up the wicket of Sanju Samson. In the very next over, New Zealand struck again, as Michael Bracewell took the wicket of Tilak Varma, who clearly struggled in his short stay at the crease. The decision to bring in Tilak and Shreyas Iyer before Ishan Kishan is also sure to raise some eyebrows.

• 22 Oct 2026, 03:29:46 PM IST

  Fifty for Sanju Samson!!

  Sanju Samson has continued the good form that he showed in the T20I series vs West Indies, right into the first T20I against New Zealand. Chasing 226 to win, Samson took charge of scoring the runs, as he hit a 23-ball half-century. In a rare reversal of roles, it was Abhishek Sharma who played second fiddle to him, before getting out. India smashed 24 runs in the powerplay. Samson now needs to continue the same momentum and build a partnership with Tilak Varma.

• 22 Oct 2026, 03:25:48 PM IST

  Abhishek departs!!

  New Zealand can finally breathe a sigh of relief after Abhishek Sharma. The introduction of spin did the trick for the Kiwis, as the destructive left-hander departs after scoring 29 from 12 balls. Together with Sanju Samson, Abhishek stitched a 93-run opening stand to give India a massive advantage early in the run chase.

• 22 Oct 2026, 03:13:54 PM IST

  Samson, Abhishek going for the kill

  Both Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne guilty of providing a lot of pace on the ball, almost at 140kph. Samson and Abhishek are basically helping themselves to those big shots. They already going at 17 runs an over, well above the required run rate.

• 22 Oct 2026, 03:04:36 PM IST

  Samson punishes Ferguson!

  Lockie Ferguson comes into the attack, but Sanju Samson continues to take the same route. He smashes a four over cover, follows it up with a SIX over cow corner and then clears the infield over long-off for another boundary. It gets worse for New Zealand as Ferguson also concedes five wides. IND 42/0 in 3 overs

• 22 Oct 2026, 02:57:18 PM IST

  Samson takes charge!

  Adam Milne takes over from the other end, but Sanju Samson continues to find the boundaries. He goes aerial on the second ball, driving it straight down the ground for four, before picking up another boundary through fine leg. India collect nine runs from the over to move to 20/0 after two overs.

• 22 Oct 2026, 02:51:19 PM IST

  Abhishek, Samson set tone!

  After a couple of dot balls, Sanju Samson gets India moving with a boundary. Matt Henry responds with a beauty that nearly gets the better of the Indian opener, but Abhishek Sharma finishes the over on a high, going aerial for a six. IND 11/0 in 1 over

• 22 Oct 2026, 02:46:28 PM IST

  Chase begins!

  Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are in the middle to start the tricky chase for India. Matt Henry has the ball in hand to start the proceedings in this innings.

• 22 Oct 2026, 02:32:49 PM IST

  A strong finish from NZ!

  Update from Somshuvra Laha: Despite a decent over from Bhuvneshwar, New Zealand added 67 runs in the last five overs to reach 225/4, also their highest T20I score at home. It is also their joint highest T20I score against India

• 22 Oct 2026, 02:31:34 PM IST

  New Zealand 225/4 in 20 overs

  Bhuvneshwar Kumar takes charge of the final over, but Glenn Phillips finishes the innings with a boundary off the last ball. New Zealand add 14 runs in the over to post their highest-ever T20I total at home, setting India a daunting target to chase. NZ 225/4 in 20 overs

• 22 Oct 2026, 02:23:45 PM IST

  Phillips hammers NKR!

  Glenn Phillips continues to find the boundary with ease, taking on Nitish Kumar Reddy in another expensive over. New Zealand collect 12 runs, moving past the 200-run mark as Phillips keeps the pressure firmly on India's bowlers.

• 22 Oct 2026, 02:15:16 PM IST

  Arshdeep strikes with his foot!

  A brilliant piece of presence of mind from Arshdeep Singh as Bevon Jacobs is run out for 31 off 16 balls! Glenn Phillips jams a yorker onto his feet and Jacobs calls for a quick single, but Arshdeep gets across, kicks the ball onto the stumps and catches the batter short despite a desperate dive. The decision goes upstairs for a check, but Jacobs is clearly out of his ground. A crucial breakthrough for India just as New Zealand looked to accelerate further.

• 22 Oct 2026, 02:09:33 PM IST

  Phillips smashes FIFTY!

  Mayank Yadav returns to the attack, but Glenn Phillips welcomes him with a six off the first ball to bring up a powerful half-century. Bevon Jacobs joins the assault with a maximum of his own, while Phillips finishes the over with another boundary, using his brute strength to find the ropes. New Zealand continue to pile on the runs.

• 22 Oct 2026, 02:03:57 PM IST

  Bhuvi resumes bowling but leaks runs!

  Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to his mark after a check on his wrist but is greeted with a six off the very next ball. It turns into another expensive over for India, with New Zealand closing in on the 200-run mark and looking well placed to cross the total comfortably.

• 22 Oct 2026, 01:57:33 PM IST

  Bhuvneshwar Kumar cops a blow!

  Bhuvneshwar Kumar takes a blow to the wrist and needs attention from the physio, who is out in the middle to assess him.

• 22 Oct 2026, 01:49:46 PM IST

  Phillips hammers Patel!

  Glenn Phillips is on a roll here, hammering Axar Patel for three consecutive boundaries to finish the over in style. New Zealand's scoring rate remains well above 10 runs per over, leaving India with a tough task to contain the late charge.

• 22 Oct 2026, 01:39:10 PM IST

  Arshdeep removes Mitchell!

  Bhuvneshwar Kumar holds on to a tricky, high catch to give India a crucial breakthrough. Arshdeep Singh strikes on his return to the attack, sending Daryl Mitchell back for 28 off 19 balls.

• 22 Oct 2026, 01:37:32 PM IST

  New Zealand 122/2 in 12 overs!

  Glenn Phillips gets down on one knee and sweeps Nitish Kumar Reddy over the ropes for a massive six! He reads the slower delivery early and executes the shot to perfection. New Zealand collect 12 runs from the over as Phillips looks to shift gears.

• 22 Oct 2026, 01:32:52 PM IST

  Abhishek drops a sitter!

  Abhishek Sharma puts down a straightforward chance in the deep, handing Daryl Mitchell a costly lifeline. It should have been a regulation catch, but India let the opportunity slip. Mitchell makes them pay, smashing back-to-back boundaries later in the over to push New Zealand to 110/2 after 11 overs.

• 22 Oct 2026, 01:28:18 PM IST

  Phillips smashes SIX!

  Glenn Phillips breaks the shackles with a maximum off the final ball of Axar Patel’s over. He charges down the track and launches the ball straight back over the bowler’s head for six. New Zealand reach the halfway mark at 98/2, keeping the scoring rate ticking along.

• 22 Oct 2026, 01:22:12 PM IST

  Not easy to hit against slower bowlers

  Update from Somshuvra Laha: Denying Allen pace and a fuller length worked for Axar Patel. Also shows that this pitch might not be easy to hit off, especially against slower bowlers.

• 22 Oct 2026, 01:16:08 PM IST

  Axar Patel removes Finn Allen!

  Update from Ashish Magotra: An important wicket. Finn Allen, 45 off 24 balls, looked all set to explode. But Axar gets India an important breakthrough at just the right time. For some quiz buffs, this was also Axar's first wicket in New Zealand.

• 22 Oct 2026, 01:13:25 PM IST

  Mayank making impact!

  Mayank Yadav conceding 10 runs in 12 balls with a wicket is a massive validation of the lengths he is picking. Nothing too fancy, just straight and very little width.

• 22 Oct 2026, 01:07:52 PM IST

  Axar Patel hammered for SIXES!

  Axar Patel is brought into the attack but comes under pressure immediately, with both Finn Allen and Daryl Mitchell clearing the ropes for sixes. New Zealand finish the powerplay with a healthy 65 on the board. Allen is well set and looking dangerous, and India will need to find a way to rein in the Kiwi opener before he causes further damage.

• 22 Oct 2026, 01:02:45 PM IST

  Mayank strikes, Seifert back in hut!

  Mayank Yadav replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar and makes an immediate impact with his raw pace! A 141 kmph delivery forces an edge off Tim Seifert's bat as the Kiwi opener attempts an aerial shot. Sanju Samson makes no mistake behind the stumps to complete the catch. New Zealand lose their first wicket at 49/1 after five overs.

• 22 Oct 2026, 12:58:56 PM IST

  Allen, Seifert show no mercy!

  At home, Finn Allen's strike rate is 175 and Tim Seifert's is 150. India are up against big odds!

• 22 Oct 2026, 12:56:32 PM IST

  Arshdeep leaks runs!

  A costly over from Arshdeep Singh as New Zealand pile on the boundaries. Finn Allen gets things going with three consecutive fours, making the most of Arshdeep's loose deliveries. Tim Seifert then adds to India's misery, finishing the over with a six to keep the Kiwi openers firmly on the attack. NZ 46/0 in 4 overs

• 22 Oct 2026, 12:50:27 PM IST

  Seifert punishes Bhuvneshwar!

  Tim Seifert takes the attack to Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the second over, smashing 17 runs to put New Zealand on the front foot. Bhuvneshwar begins with a no-ball, which Seifert punishes with a boundary off the free hit. The Kiwi opener then finishes the over in style, hitting another four followed by a six. NZ 29/0 in 3 overs

• 22 Oct 2026, 12:46:51 PM IST

  Arshdeep from other end!

  Arshdeep Singh takes the new ball from the other end but concedes 12 runs in his opening over, with Finn Allen finding the first boundary of the match. The New Zealand openers are looking to attack from the outset, and India will need to find a way to contain them through the powerplay. NZ 12/0 in 2 overs

• 22 Oct 2026, 12:42:32 PM IST

  Bhuvi brings old-school swing back on display!

  Bhuvi's back and so is the joy of watching a good swing bowler. So many bowlers these days are of the hit-the-deck variety that it almost feels as if the pure swing bowler might go extinct.

• 22 Oct 2026, 12:40:10 PM IST

  Bhuvi finds swing!

  Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes an immediate impact on his return to international cricket, conceding just four runs in his opening over. The veteran pacer finds swing from the very first ball, offering an early glimpse of what he brings to India's attack. NZ 4/0 in 1 over

• 22 Oct 2026, 12:33:01 PM IST

  Action begins, Bhuvi in attack!

  Bhuvneshwar Kumar to open the attack for India, he is back leading the bowling charge after almost four years. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert to open the innings for New Zealand.

• 22 Oct 2026, 12:28:38 PM IST

  Time for national anthems!

  The Indian and New Zealand players are out on the field for the national anthems, with India’s anthem up first, followed by New Zealand’s.

• 22 Oct 2026, 12:13:01 PM IST

  Check New Zealand's Playing XI!

  New Zealand Playing XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert(w), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson.

• 22 Oct 2026, 12:12:33 PM IST

  Check India's Playing XI!

  India Playing XI: Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav.

• 22 Oct 2026, 12:02:42 PM IST

  Iyer opts to bowl first!

  India skipper Shreyas Iyer wins the toss and opts to bowl first in the series opener in Christchurch. He has no hesitation whatsoever. Mitchell Santner says he would have loved to bowl first as well. India make two changes from their last T20Is against the West Indies, with Nitish Reddy and Mayank Yadav getting a game.

• 22 Oct 2026, 11:35:25 AM IST

  Ishan Kishan set to overtake Suryakumar Yadav!

  Ishan Kishan is on the verge of scripting history with the bat. He has scored 1,158 runs in 34 T20I innings this year at an average of 37.35 and a strike rate of 172.06, including a century and seven fifties. He needs just seven more runs to surpass Suryakumar Yadav’s record of 1,164 T20I runs by an Indian in a calendar year, set in 2022. Kishan is also 139 runs away from breaking Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan’s world record of 1,326 T20I runs in a calendar year, achieved in 2021.

• 22 Oct 2026, 11:24:01 AM IST

  Varun Chakaravarthy likely to sit out!

  India could opt for three frontline seamers in the series opener, with Prince Yadav joining Arshdeep Singh and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the pace attack and Nitish Kumar Reddy providing an additional fast-bowling option as an all-rounder. Varun Chakaravarthy, meanwhile, returns after another injury-enforced spell on the sidelines. However, finding a place for the mystery spinner in the playing XI could prove difficult if India decide to strengthen their pace attack for the opener.

• 22 Oct 2026, 11:14:44 AM IST

  Bhuvi returns after four years!

  Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes his return to India's T20I setup after nearly four years, bringing his experience and ability to swing the ball with the new ball. His comeback adds depth to the pace attack which lacked variety in the past couple of series.

• 22 Oct 2026, 11:00:17 AM IST

  Check India's Probable Playing XI!

  India's Probable XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh

• 22 Oct 2026, 10:33:02 AM IST

  India vs New Zealand Live Score 1st T20I: Hello and welcome!

  Hello and welcome to our live blog of the first T20I of the five-match series between India and New Zealand. Christchurch's Hagley Oval plays host to the series opener.

  I'm Aditya Maheshwari, and I'll be bringing you all the action over the next 5 hours.

  India face a long stretch in New Zealand, with the T20Is, ODIs and Tests spanning 41 days. But for now, let's stick to the T20Is. India last toured New Zealand in 2022, shortly after the T20 World Cup in Australia. A lot has changed since then. New players have emerged, while much of the old guard has faded away.

  New Zealand are never easy to beat at home, and it will be interesting to see whether Shreyas Iyer's young team can rise to the challenge.