Young batters shine as India takes early series lead
Nagpur: Team India has started the five-match T20I series against New Zealand on a thunderous note, securing a comprehensive 48-run victory in Nagpur on Wednesday. While the senior players played their parts, it was the young brigade led by Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh that truly dismantled the Kiwi bowling attack.
Abhishek’s Power Show
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl, but the decision quickly backfired. India adopted an ultra-aggressive strategy from the very first ball. While wickets fell occasionally, the run rate never dropped. Abhishek Sharma was the star of the show, smashing a blistering 84 runs off just 35 deliveries. His innings was studded with five boundaries and eight massive sixes.
He found support from Suryakumar Yadav, who looked in fine touch for his 32, but it was Abhishek who broke the backbone of the Kiwi attack. He reached his half-century in just 22 balls, setting a new record for the fastest fifty by an Indian against New Zealand in T20Is.
Rinku Finishes in Style
After the top order laid the foundation, Rinku Singh provided the final flourish. Staying true to his reputation as a finisher, Rinku hammered an unbeaten 44 off just 20 balls. His late assault ensured India posted a daunting total of 238 for 7.
Phillips Fights Alone
Chasing a massive target, the visitors had a nightmare start. Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya struck early, removing openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra cheaply. New Zealand was reduced to 27 for 2 quickly, leaving them with a mountain to climb.
Glenn Phillips kept the Black Caps in the hunt for a brief period with a spirited knock of 78 off 40 balls. He launched counter-attacks against the Indian spinners, but once he was dismissed, the result was a foregone conclusion. The visitors were eventually restricted to 189 for 7.
Injury Concern
Despite the win, there is a slight worry for the Indian camp. All-rounder Axar Patel suffered an injury to his index finger while trying to stop a shot and had to leave the field. The medical team is monitoring his condition ahead of the next match.
