India created three major records during their thrilling victory over New Zealand at Hagley Oval.

Opening batter Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 67 off 33 balls.

India made a flying start to their New Zealand tour, defeating the hosts by four wickets in a high-scoring first T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Thursday, October 22. Chasing a daunting target of 226, India reached 230/6 in 19.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Opening batter Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 67 off 33 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer scored 42 from 28 deliveries. Naman Dhir then delivered the decisive blow, smashing an unbeaten 42 off just 15 balls to help India complete a memorable chase.

The victory also brought several milestones for Indian cricket.

Here are three major records India created during the thrilling win over New Zealand:

1. India register their highest successful chase in T20Is

India’s biggest achievement of the evening was completing their highest successful run chase in men’s T20I cricket.

New Zealand posted an imposing 225/4 in their 20 overs, powered by Glenn Phillips‘ unbeaten 82 off 40 balls. Finn Allen contributed 45 from 24 deliveries, while Bevon Jacobs added a quickfire 31 off 16 balls to give the hosts a formidable total.

India responded with an aggressive approach from the outset. Samson and Abhishek Sharma put on 93 runs for the opening wicket in just 5.5 overs, giving the visitors an outstanding start.

Although New Zealand fought back by removing four Indian batters for relatively few runs, Iyer and Dhir ensured the chase did not slip away.

India eventually reached 230/6 in 19.4 overs, surpassing their previous record successful T20I chase of 209 runs. They achieved that target twice, against Australia in 2023 and New Zealand earlier this year.

The victory also became the second-highest successful chase against New Zealand in men’s T20Is, behind Australia’s pursuit of 244 in Auckland in 2018.

2. Naman Dhir sets a new benchmark for No. 7 and lower batters in a successful T20I chase

Naman Dhir played a decisive role in India’s victory with an explosive unbeaten 42 off only 15 deliveries.

Coming in during the closing stages, Dhir showed remarkable composure under pressure. He struck five fours and two sixes, scoring at a staggering strike rate of 280. His late assault helped India overcome New Zealand’s fightback and cross the finish line with two balls remaining.

Dhir’s innings also created an individual record. His unbeaten 42 became the highest individual score by an Indian batter batting at No. 7 or lower in a successful men’s T20I chase.

He surpassed the previous benchmark held by former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who had scored an unbeaten 33 off 16 balls against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2009.

Dhir’s performance highlighted the importance of lower-order contributions in modern T20 cricket. With the required run rate climbing during the middle overs, his ability to find boundaries at the right time proved crucial to India’s victory.

3. Samson and Abhishek equal India’s record for most 50-plus opening stands in a calendar year

India’s opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma provided the platform for the record chase with a breathtaking partnership.

The duo added 93 runs in just 35 balls, putting New Zealand’s bowlers under immediate pressure. Samson scored 67 off 33 deliveries, including eight fours and four sixes, while Abhishek contributed 29 from only 12 balls.

Their partnership was India’s fifth opening stand of at least 50 runs in men’s T20Is during the 2026 calendar year.

That achievement equalled the national record for the most 50-plus opening partnerships in a calendar year. Abhishek and Shubman Gill had also registered five such stands in 2025, while KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma reached the same mark in 2021.

Although Abhishek fell in the sixth over, the partnership had already given India the momentum needed to challenge a target of 226. Samson continued attacking before being dismissed for 67, leaving the middle order with a strong platform to finish the job.