Abhishek stars as India dominate NZ in win: 1st T20 (Nagpur)

Abhishek’s firepower ensured India made a dominant start to the T20I series against New Zealand in the first match at Nagpur, producing a high-scoring performance to take early control.

A blistering innings at the top of the order powered India to a massive total, putting the visitors under immediate pressure. Sharma was the standout batter, smashing 84 runs off just 35 balls with eight sixes and five fours, anchoring India’s huge total and earning Player of the Match honours. Rinku Singh provided a strong finish with an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls, boosting the scoring in the latter overs.

New Zealand responded with intent and a counterattacking knock in the middle overs, but regular wickets and tight bowling at the death prevented a serious challenge. Glenn Phillips top-scored for New Zealand with a lively 78 off 40 balls

India eventually sealed a convincing win to go 1–0 up in the series.

India 238 for 7 (Abhishek 84, Rinku 44*, Duffy 2-27) beat New Zealand 189 for 7 (Phillips 78, Chapman 39, Dube 2-28, Varun 2-37) by 48 runs.

Jan 2026.