Christchurch, Oct. 22 -- Sanju Samson played a pivotal role in India's four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first T20I in Christchurch, earning the Player of the Match award for his fluent half-century.

Reflecting on the performance, Samson expressed his delight at contributing to a winning start to the series, emphasising that the result was a collective effort rather than an individual achievement. He credited the team's combined contributions for the opening victory and welcomed the positive start to the five-match series.

India defeated New Zealand by 4 wickets in the 1st T20I in Christchurch on Thursday. Samson laid the foundation for India's chase with a brilliant 67-run knock.

"It feels really good. We are just in the mom...