India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Highlights: Full Scorecard 2026
India beat New Zealand by 4 wickets in the 1st T20I after chasing 226 runs. Check the full scorecard, Sanju Samson’s 67, Naman Dhir’s 42 and match highlights.
Team India began its New Zealand tour with a thrilling victory in the first T20 International at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Chasing a challenging target of 226 runs, India reached 230/6 in 19.4 overs to win by four wickets, taking a 1–0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
The match delivered explosive batting from both sides. New Zealand posted 225/4 after Glenn Phillips scored an unbeaten 82, but India's aggressive opening partnership and a late finishing effort from Naman Dhir helped the visitors complete the chase with two balls remaining.
Sanju Samson top-scored for India with 67 off 33 balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed a valuable 42. Dhir then provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 42 off just 15 deliveries.
India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Match Result
The first T20I produced a high-scoring contest in Christchurch, with India successfully chasing 226.
| Match detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Match | New Zealand vs India, 1st T20I |
| Date | October 22, 2026 |
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| New Zealand | 225/4 in 20 overs |
| India | 230/6 in 19.4 overs |
| Result | India won by 4 wickets |
| Series score | India lead 1–0 |
India's chase combined an explosive powerplay with important middle-order contributions. Despite losing several wickets in quick succession, the visitors maintained the required scoring rate and finished the match before the final ball.
New Zealand Innings: Glenn Phillips Powers Hosts to 225/4
After India won the toss and elected to field, New Zealand made an aggressive start. Finn Allen scored 45 off 24 balls, while Tim Seifert contributed 24 off 17 deliveries.
Daryl Mitchell added 28 off 19 balls, but the innings' biggest contribution came from Glenn Phillips. He remained unbeaten on 82 from 40 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 205.
Phillips shared a valuable 73-run partnership with Bevon Jacobs, who scored 31 off 16 balls. Their late acceleration helped New Zealand reach 225/4 in the allotted 20 overs.
New Zealand Full Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Seifert | 24 | 17 |
| Finn Allen | 45 | 24 |
| Daryl Mitchell | 28 | 19 |
| Glenn Phillips | 82* | 40 |
| Bevon Jacobs | 31 | 16 |
| Michael Bracewell | 7* | 6 |
| Extras | 8 | — |
| Total | 225/4 | 20 overs |
Note: The asterisk () indicates a batter who remained not out.*
India's Bowling Performance
India's bowlers had to contend with a fast-scoring New Zealand innings. Mayank Yadav, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh took one wicket each, while the hosts' late acceleration pushed the total beyond 220.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 4 | 49 | 0 |
| Arshdeep Singh | 4 | 45 | 1 |
| Mayank Yadav | 4 | 40 | 1 |
| Axar Patel | 4 | 51 | 1 |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | 4 | 40 | 0 |
India Chase 226: Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma Explode
India needed 226 runs to win and started the chase at a remarkable pace. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma put together an opening partnership of 93 runs in less than six overs, immediately putting pressure on New Zealand's bowlers.
Abhishek scored 29 off 12 balls, including three sixes, before Michael Bracewell dismissed him. Samson continued attacking and scored 67 off 33 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes.
However, India's chase briefly became complicated when Samson, Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan fell in quick succession. Varma made six off 11 balls, while Kishan scored one off three.
With the middle order under pressure, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel helped steady the innings before Naman Dhir accelerated in the closing overs.
Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir Finish the Job
Shreyas Iyer played an important stabilising role, scoring 42 off 28 deliveries with one four and two sixes. He built useful partnerships with Axar Patel and Naman Dhir, keeping India in contention after the middle-order wickets.
Axar contributed 24 off 14 balls before being dismissed. Dhir then took control of the chase, scoring an unbeaten 42 from only 15 deliveries.
His innings included five fours and two sixes, helping India cross the finish line at 230/6 in 19.4 overs. Dhir struck a six off the fourth ball of the final over to seal the four-wicket victory.
India Full Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | 67 | 33 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 29 | 12 |
| Tilak Varma | 6 | 11 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 42 | 28 |
| Ishan Kishan | 1 | 3 |
| Axar Patel | 24 | 14 |
| Naman Dhir | 42* | 15 |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | 2* | 3 |
| Extras | 17 | — |
| Total | 230/6 | 19.4 overs |
New Zealand Bowling: Bracewell and Santner Take Two Wickets Each
New Zealand's bowlers managed to create pressure during the middle overs, but India's opening stand had already provided a strong foundation.
Michael Bracewell dismissed Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, finishing with two wickets for 37 runs in four overs. Captain Mitchell Santner also took two wickets, including the important dismissal of Samson.
However, the late assault from Iyer and Dhir proved decisive.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Henry | 3.4 | 57 | 0 |
| Adam Milne | 3 | 43 | 1 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 3 | 34 | 1 |
| Michael Bracewell | 4 | 37 | 2 |
| Mitchell Santner | 4 | 39 | 2 |
| Nathan Smith | 2 | 20 | 0 |
Player of the Match: Sanju Samson's Impactful Half-Century
Sanju Samson's 67 off 33 balls was a defining contribution in India's successful chase. His aggressive approach helped India collect 93 runs in the opening partnership and kept the required run rate under control during the powerplay.
Naman Dhir's unbeaten 42 off 15 balls was equally important at the finish. While Samson set the pace, Dhir ensured India converted the strong start into a victory.
Glenn Phillips was New Zealand's standout batter, scoring 82 not out from 40 balls. His innings was central to the hosts reaching a competitive total.
What Does India's Victory Mean for the T20I Series?
The win gives India a 1–0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Chasing a target of 226 away from home also demonstrated the importance of India's top-order aggression and lower-middle-order finishing.
New Zealand will look to improve its bowling execution in the next match, particularly during the powerplay and final overs. India, meanwhile, will aim to build on the successful chase and address the brief middle-order collapse.
The result sets up an important second T20I as both teams look to establish momentum early in the series.
India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Highlights: Where to Find the Scorecard
Readers looking for the detailed scorecard, fall of wickets, partnerships and ball-by-ball information can consult established cricket coverage.
The match scorecard is available through Cricbuzz and Moneycontrol Sports. Broadcast and streaming availability for highlights can vary by region, so viewers should check the official rights-holder's platform for the relevant match videos.
Final Thoughts
India began the New Zealand T20I series with an exciting four-wicket win after chasing 226 at Hagley Oval. Sanju Samson's 67 and Abhishek Sharma's rapid start gave India momentum, while Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir ensured the chase stayed on track after a cluster of wickets.
New Zealand's 225/4 was built around Glenn Phillips' unbeaten 82, but India's finishing power made the difference. With India leading the series 1–0, the next T20I will offer New Zealand a chance to respond and India an opportunity to strengthen its advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the India vs New Zealand 1st T20I in 2026?
India won the first T20I by four wickets at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22, 2026.
2. What was New Zealand's score in the first T20I?
New Zealand scored 225/4 in 20 overs, with Glenn Phillips unbeaten on 82 off 40 balls.
3. What was India's final score?
India finished at 230/6 in 19.4 overs while chasing 226.
4. How many runs did Sanju Samson score?
Sanju Samson scored 67 runs from 33 balls, including eight fours and four sixes.
5. How did Naman Dhir perform in the match?
Naman Dhir scored an unbeaten 42 from 15 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes to help India seal the victory.
6. How many runs did Glenn Phillips score?
Glenn Phillips scored 82 not out from 40 deliveries for New Zealand.
7. What is the series score after the first T20I?
India lead the five-match T20I series 1–0 after winning the opening match.
8. Where can I check the full India vs New Zealand scorecard?
The detailed scorecard is available on established cricket platforms such as Cricbuzz and Moneycontrol Sports.
