India, Oct. 23 -- At one point during the sixth over in Christchurch on Thursday, a target of 226 no longer looked daunting. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma had put on 93 runs in the first 35 balls, leaving New Zealand's new-ball plans in tatters.

India eventually chased down 226 in 19.4 overs at Hagley Oval, completing their highest successful chase in T20I cricket. Their previous best was 209 against Australia in Visakhapatnam in 2023, a target they matched against New Zealand in Raipur earlier this year. The Christchurch chase was also the second-highest successful chase against New Zealand in T20Is.

Samson top-scored for India with his 33-ball 67, laced with eight fours and four maximums, while Abhishek made 29 off 12. Captain Shre...