Fireworks lit up Vidarbha Stadium as India amassed 238/7, setting New Zealand an audacious 239 in the first T20I. After ODI blues, Abhishek Sharma’s career-defining 84 (8×6, 5×4 off 35) and Rinku Singh’s late surge signaled revival.
Santner called correctly, bowling first. Early blows: Samson 10/7b (2×4), Kishan 8/5b – 27/2. Recovery via SKY-Abhishek’s 99/47 balls; SKY 32/22b (4×4,1×6). Abhishek’s blitz hit 5k T20 runs milestone.
Pandya 25/16b (3×4,1×6), Rinku 44*/20b (4×4,3×6) propelled finale. Duffy, Jamieson 2fers; Clarke/Sodhi/Santner 1 each.
Chase test awaits Kiwis amid dew. India’s intent sets tone for series sweep potential.