India, Oct. 23 -- India overcame a spirited New Zealand after a blazing start to secure a thrilling four-wicket victory in Christchurch on Thursday and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 series. India survived a mid-innings wobble in a 226-run chase after openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma stitched together a 93-run stand. Samson hammered 67 off 33 balls. New Zealand hit back by removing three batters in quick succession, but Iyer countered with 42 off 28 balls, before a late flourish from Dhir (42*) took India over the line. Put in to bat, NZ openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen set the tone before Glenn Phillips produced a dazzling knock to propel them to 225-4. P20
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