Abhishek Sharma hit a record‑setting first‑ball six against New Zealand, smashing the ball for 6 off the very first ball of the T20I, his seventh career instance of the feat. India’s chase kicked off with a 93‑run opening stand in just 5.5 overs, as Abhishek and Sanju Samson combined for a record‑equaling fifth 50‑plus partnership in 2026.
New Zealand posted 225/8, a joint‑highest total against India in T20Is and the hosts’ biggest score at home. Finn Allen’s 45 off 24 and Glenn Phillips’ unbeaten 82 off 40 powered the innings.
India’s bowlers faltered, with Axar Patel conceding 51 off 4, Bhuvneshwar 49, Arshdeep 45, and Mayank and Nitish each 40, leaving the hosts 128/4 after 11 overs. The next test is India vs New Zealand in the second T20I on Sunday.