IND vs NZ T20 opener: Abhishek Sharma stars as India crush New Zealand by 48 runs

NEW DELHI: The IND VS NZ T20 Series opener saw Abhishek Sharma, a sensational player, earn the Player of the Match award as India registered a commanding 48-run victory over New Zealand today. Sharma’s blistering knock powered India to a massive 238 for 7 in 20 overs, which the Men in Blue proved far beyond the visitors’ reach.

After being sent to bat first in the IND vs NZ T20, India laid a strong foundation through Abhishek Sharma’s magnificent 84 off just 35 balls (studded with five fours and eight sixes). His fearless stroke play dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack and set the tone for a dominant Indian batting display.

Sharma’s innings allowed the rest of the batting line-up to play with freedom. Rinku Singh added a rapid 36 off 17 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with 32 off 22. Hardik Pandya provided the finishing touch with 25 off 16, helping India maintain an imposing run rate of 11.8 runs per over.

Despite the onslaught, Jacob Duffy emerged as the most successful New Zealand bowler in the IND vs NZ clash, claiming 2 for 27 in his four overs. However, the rest of the bowling unit struggled to contain India’s aggressive approach as the hosts crossed the 230-run mark.

Chasing 239, New Zealand never found sustained momentum. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 78 off 40 balls, while Mark Chapman contributed 39 off 24, but the steep required run rate proved too demanding. India’s bowlers struck at regular intervals to restrict New Zealand to 190 for 7 in 20 overs.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam)

With this convincing IND vs NZ win, India took a 1–0 lead in the five-match T20 series. The result also underlined India’s dominance in the format, with the Men in Blue currently sitting atop the ICC Men’s T20I rankings, ahead of fourth-placed New Zealand.

As the series progresses, India will look to build on this momentum, while New Zealand will aim to regroup quickly after being outplayed in all departments in the IND vs NZ opener.