India vs. New Zealand 1st T20I. India dominates New Zealand in the 1st T20I in Nagpur! Read the full match report, including Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 84 and Rinku Singh’s stunning finish that secured a 48-run victory.
Introduction: A Night of Fireworks in Nagpur
The road to the T20 World Cup 2026 kicked off in spectacular fashion at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. In a high-octane clash, India vs. New Zealand (1st T20I) lived up to the hype, with the Men in Blue securing a commanding 48-run victory.
While the collective team effort was commendable, social media is currently ablaze with two names: Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh. Their fearless batting displays not only demoralized the Kiwi bowling attack but also sent a strong message to world cricket about India’s batting depth.
In this blog, we break down the key moments, the stats that matter, and why these two stars are trending worldwide today.
Match Highlights: How India Crushed the Kiwis
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to field—a decision he would soon regret. Despite losing early wickets, including Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, India refused to back down.
1. The Abhishek Sharma Show (84 off 35)
Walking in with intent, Abhishek Sharma turned the game on its head. He didn’t just score runs; he dismantled the opposition.
- The Record: He blasted a 22-ball fifty, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand in T20Is.
- The Carnage: His innings of 84 runs came off just 35 balls, studded with 5 fours and 8 massive sixes.
- The Impact: He treated spinners and pacers with equal disdain, striking at a rate of 240.00, completely shifting the momentum in India’s favor during the middle overs.
2. The Finisher: Rinku Singh’s Masterclass (44 off 20)*
Just when New Zealand thought they had stemmed the flow of runs, Rinku Singh walked in to deliver the knockout punch. True to his reputation as India’s premier finisher:
- He scored an unbeaten 44 off just 20 balls.
- The highlight was the final over, where he plundered 21 runs off Daryl Mitchell, propelling India to a massive total of 238/7.
New Zealand’s Chase: A Lone Battle by Glenn Phillips
Chasing a mammoth target of 239, New Zealand crumbled under pressure.
- Glenn Phillips was the only saving grace for the Black Caps, fighting a lone battle with a spirited 78 off 40 balls.
- Indian bowlers were disciplined, with Varun Chakravarthy (2/37) and Shivam Dube (2/28) picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals.
- The Kiwis were eventually restricted to 190/7, falling short by 48 runs.
Why Are Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh Trending?
If you are scrolling through X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram today, you’ll see these two names everywhere. Here is why:
- Next-Gen Batting: Fans are calling Abhishek Sharma the “New King of Powerplay” for his ability to hit big sixes effortlessly from ball one.
- Reliability: Rinku Singh has become synonymous with “Trust.” His consistency in the death overs is being compared to legendary finishers like MS Dhoni.
- T20 World Cup Selection: With the 2026 World Cup around the corner, their performances in this series are seen as a definitive audition for the final squad.
Conclusion
The 1st T20I was a statement victory for Team India. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about the brand of cricket played—aggressive, fearless, and relentless. With a 1-0 lead in the 5-match series, the caravan now moves to the next venue, and New Zealand has a mountain to climb if they want to stop this Indian juggernaut.
Q1: Who won the Man of the Match in Ind vs NZ 1st T20I?
A: Abhishek Sharma was awarded the Player of the Match for his game-changing knock of 84 runs off 35 balls.
Q2: What is India’s highest T20 score against New Zealand?
A: With this match, India recorded their highest T20I total against New Zealand, scoring 238/7.
Q3: When is the next India vs New Zealand T20 match?
A: The 2nd T20I is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026.
