India got their tour off to a winning start against New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22. Indian captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first.

New Zealand posted an imposing 225/4, with Glenn Phillips leading the charge with an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, at a strike rate of 205. He also shared a crucial 73-run partnership off just 33 balls with Bevon Jacobs for the fourth wicket. For India, three bowlers picked up one wicket apiece.

In reply, India chased down the target, scoring 230/6 with two balls to spare. Sanju Samson starred with a blistering 67 off 33 deliveries, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 42 runs. Naman Dhir remained unbeaten on 45 and sealed the thrilling victory with a maximum, helping India take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Top batting performance of the match: Sanju Samson

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was the standout performer with the bat, smashing 67 off just 33 deliveries, including eight fours and four sixes, at an impressive strike rate of 203.03. He set the tone for India's chase with an explosive start, sharing a 93-run opening partnership off just 35 balls with Abhishek Sharma to put the Men in Blue in a strong position.

Top bowling performance of the match: Mitchell Santner

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 2/39 in his four overs. He provided crucial breakthroughs by dismissing India's in-form wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, helping the Kiwis put pressure on the visitors during their run chase.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

1. Highest successful chases for India in T20Is: India registered their highest successful run chase in T20I cricket, chasing down 226 against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2026.
2. Most 50-plus scores for India in a calendar year in T20Is: Sanju Samson has recorded eight 50-plus scores in 2026, placing him joint-fourth on the list of Indian batters with the most such scores in a calendar year.
3. Highest totals in the first six overs for India in T20Is: India scored 94/1 in the powerplay against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2026, placing the total joint-third among India's highest powerplay scores in T20I cricket.
4. Most 50-plus opening partnerships for India in a calendar year in T20Is: Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have registered five 50-plus opening stands in 2026, putting them joint-first on the list.
5. Most first-ball sixes in T20Is: Abhishek Sharma has hit a six off the first ball of an innings seven times in T20I cricket, making him the record-holder for this remarkable feat.

Who won the Player of the Match?

Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for his brilliant half-century which sealed the game for India at Christchurch.

When's the next match?

The second T20I between New Zealand and India will happen on Saturday, October 24 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.