Team India pulled out an unthinkable batting performance on overseas conditions to chase down a target of 226 runs against New Zealand in Christchurch. With the explosive batting performances from Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, and Naman Dhir, the Men in Blue started their bilateral, multi-format series against New Zealand on a strong note.

After the match, India captain Shreyas Iyer mostly praised his batters for accomplishing the task in style. The pitch was eventually slow, but as the match progressed, the surface gradually became flatter, which helped batters from both sides.

Shreyas Iyer praises his batters for the 226-run chase

India went off to their mark through the experienced openers, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. For the first wicket stand, the Indian cricket team got 93 runs inside the powerplay.

Samson was named the Player of the Match for his 67-run knock off 33 balls. While Saunigau Siswoyo got the award, it was Naman Dhir who took the team over the finish line with his well-timed unbeaten 42 off 15.

"Obviously we needed that kind of start, especially when you're chasing 220, getting to 80-85 in six overs, that's a tremendous start," Iyer said, explaining their run chase.

Shreyas Iyer explains why they trusted the Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma duo

The Indian team management again showed their trust in the experienced openers, instead of doing any experiments with the playing combination. Against West Indies, Sanju Samson's form again went through a lot of highs and lows. But when both of the openers, Samson and Abhishek Sharma (29 off 12), found their rhythm at the same time, it became a nightmare for the opposing bowlers.

Shreyas Iyer, who scored 42 runs from 28 balls, stated that the experienced batters knew how to act when the target was huge. Samson and Sharma batted according to the demands of the conditions and quickly dragged the team in the right direction.

"Yeah, they're absolutely experienced enough. You don't have to tell them how to go about their business. They know exactly what they're doing, and once they get going, it's just about the momentum they carry forward, and today was just an example of that. So obviously it doesn't happen every time, but once they click, you see that they set a game for us, and the rest of us, we just come and steady the ship and see to it that we finish off the game," Iyer explained.

Shreyas Iyer on Naman Dhir

Since making his debut for India, it was arguably Naman Dhir's best outing for the team. He bowled a few good overs in the first innings and then in the second innings, he showed his batting strength. The skipper said that it always provides the team an extra edge when there is a T20 specialist in the side.

"Yes, absolutely. He gives us a lot of options, especially for left-handed batsmen, or even right-handers batting, especially on this ground; coming in and bowling those two-three crucial overs actually can change the momentum."

"And I personally feel that the calm and composed nature that he showed today was simply magnificent to see him bat," Shreyas Iyer said about Naman Dhir.