New Delhi, Oct. 22 -- India skipper Shreyas Iyer praised Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for providing a flying start in the team's record chase of 226 against New Zealand in the opening T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday.
The experienced opening pair added 93 runs inside the powerplay, putting India in a commanding position before New Zealand fought back through their spinners. Samson was named Player of the Match for his blistering 67 off 33 balls, while Abhishek contributed 29 off just 12 deliveries.
India eventually crossed the finish line with four wickets to spare, thanks to crucial contributions from Iyer, Axar Patel and Naman Dhir. Dhir remained unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls to guide the visitors home in a high-scoring...