IND vs NZ 1st T20I Results

6:11 PM IST Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of India, says that the big positive today was that they put big runs on the board and managed to defend it comfortably, even with the dew in effect. On his batting, he says that he felt good when he walked out to bat and reiterates that he has been hitting the ball well in the nets and tonight, it came off in the game as well. On the mixed fielding efforts, he says that they always look to keep improving. On Abhishek Sharma, Surya says that when you look at him and the way he prepares for every game, it is just great to see and hopes that his form continues.

6:08 PM IST Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya struck early to set the tone, before the template that has become India's hallmark came into play. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy operated through the middle phase. While they did go for runs, they had plenty in the bank to work with. After the toss fell their way, New Zealand were unable to put it together with the ball for sustained periods. India did lose a couple of wickets inside the Powerplay, but Abhishek Sharma then took control, while Suryakumar Yadav also showed signs of returning to form. The platform was laid by a 99-run stand, and those who followed kept the momentum going. Contributions from Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh helped the home side reach 238, their highest T20I total against the Kiwis.

6:05 PM IST The captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner, believes that it was a good hit-out for them, coming up against a strong Indian side whose record over the last couple of years has been outstanding. Feels that they were put under pressure with the ball right throughout the innings, and against this Indian team, bowlers have to be on the money from ball one. Santner adds that it was always going to be hard work for whoever bowled the 20th over, and explains that cutters were holding in the surface, which is why he turned to Daryl Mitchell for the final over. Tells that the way Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman batted were the positives for them.

6:05 PM IST Abhishek Sharma is the Player of the Match for his stellar knock of 84 runs from 35 balls. He says the approach is about going hard from ball one and sticking to the brand of cricket the team has committed to. Feels he has figured out what works for him. Adds that bowlers will always come up with plans, so it is about backing his instincts. Abhishek mentions that he always wants to put the team first and make the most of the first six overs. Shares that he doesn't rely on range-hitting, and for him, it's all about timing.

6:04 PM IST In pursuit of a mountainous target, the Kiwis were off to the worst possible start, losing Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra inside the first two overs. From there, they were always behind the eight ball. Glenn Phillips picked up where he left off in the ODI series, but the enormity of the target and the quality of the Indian attack meant that, despite his efforts, the required rate kept climbing and the overs continued to fall below par. Mark Chapman was unable to match Phillips' tempo early in his innings before picking up pace, and one wonders why Daryl Mitchell, who has been in sparkling form, came in as low as number six.

6:04 PM IST A statement win by India, once again showing why they are such a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming World Cup. They will be a little concerned about the injury to the bowling hand of Axar Patel and will be hoping it isn't too serious. A good challenge for New Zealand with the mega event coming up against a power-packed Indian batting unit, and they will look to do better with the ball going forward. We now move to Raipur for the second T20I, which will be played on Friday, 23rd January. The first ball will be bowled at 7 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT). As always, you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!