India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Abhishek Sharma’s blistering knock set up a commanding start for India as they beat New Zealand by 48 runs in the opening T20I of the five-match series here on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Abhishek smashed 84 off just 35 balls, striking the ball cleanly from the outset to put New Zealand under pressure. He was well supported by Rinku Singh, who finished unbeaten on 44 off 20 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 22) and Hardik Pandya (25 off 16) added quick runs in the middle order.
Asked to bat first, India piled up a daunting 238 for seven in their 20 overs.
Chasing a stiff target, New Zealand fought back through Glenn Phillips, who top-scored with a 78 off 40 balls. Mark Chapman chipped in with 39, but the visitors never fully recovered from the early damage and were restricted to 190 for seven.
India’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Varun Chakaravarthy (2/37) and Shivam Dube (2/28) taking two each. Arshdeep Singh (1/31), Hardik Pandya (1/20) and Axar Patel (1/42) also struck.
India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard:
India 238 for 7 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 84, Rinku Singh 44 not out; Jacob Duffy 2/27).
New Zealand 190 for 7 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 78; Varun Chakaravarthy 2/37).
