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CricketIndia

Samson and Dhir steer India past New Zealand’s 225 in the Christchurch T20 opener

Sanju Samson’s 67 off 33 and Naman Dhir’s unbeaten 42 gave India a four-wicket win and a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.

By Rational Times Sports Desk Christchurch · · 1 min read
Correction · 30 Oct 2026: An earlier version of the scorecard gave India’s total as 226 for 6. India finished on 230 for 6 in 19.4 overs.

India chased down 226 to beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first of five T20 internationals in Christchurch on Thursday, 22 October, reaching their target with two balls to spare.

New Zealand’s total

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen gave the hosts a fast start, with Allen making 45 off 24 balls as New Zealand reached 65 for 1 in the powerplay. Glenn Phillips then hammered an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, with eight fours and three sixes, to lift New Zealand to 225 for 4. Bevon Jacobs made 31 before he was run out.

It was a tough night for India’s bowlers: all five who were used conceded at least 10 runs an over. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, playing his first T20 international in four years, finished with 0 for 49.

The chase

Sanju Samson struck 67 off 33 balls, with eight fours and four sixes, sharing a 93-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma as India raced to 94 for 1 in the powerplay. New Zealand struck back with three quick wickets before captain Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings with 42 off 28. Naman Dhir finished unbeaten on 42 to see India home in 19.4 overs.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said his side had not been at its best. Iyer praised Dhir’s composure. The second match was scheduled for Saturday, again in Christchurch.

TeamScoreOvers
New Zealand225/420
India230/619.4
CricketIndiaNew ZealandSanju SamsonShreyas IyerT20I

Sources

  1. bdnews24 — India beat New Zealand by four wickets in first T20
  2. CareerIndia — Sports headlines, 23 October 2026
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