India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: India all-rounder Axar Patel left the field with a finger injury during the first T20I against New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Axar was hurt while attempting a return catch off his own bowling. He stretched out his left hand to stop a shot from Daryl Mitchell but the ball struck the tip of his index finger. Television visuals showed the finger bleeding before Axar was replaced by Ravi Bishnoi. Abhishek Sharma bowled the remaining three deliveries of the 16th over.
The injury adds to India’s concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet provided an update on Axar Patel’s condition. Before the injury, Axar had taken the key wicket of Glenn Phillips, who had kept New Zealand in the chase with a 40-ball 78.
India won the match by 48 runs. Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar were already sidelined with injuries, making Axar’s exit another blow for the side.
Earlier, India posted 238 for seven in 20 overs, powered by Abhishek Sharma’s 84 off 35 balls. Rinku Singh remained unbeaten on 44 off 20 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 22) and Hardik Pandya (25 off 16) provided crucial support.
In reply, New Zealand managed 190 for seven. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 78 off 40 balls, and Mark Chapman added 39. Varun Chakaravarthy (2/37) and Shivam Dube (2/28) took two wickets each, while Arshdeep Singh (1/31), Hardik Pandya (1/20) and Axar Patel (1/42) also contributed.
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)
