Christchurch, Oct. 22 -- Sanju Samson provided the fireworks, Naman Dhir supplied the finishing touch, and New Zealand were left wondering how a total of 225 for four could still end in defeat. In a contest where bowlers were often reduced to spectators, India chased down 226 to win the opening T20 International by four wickets, reaching 230 for six in 19.4 overs at Hagley Oval here on Thursday.
If Samson's bat was the instrument that set the chase in motion, Dhir wielded it like a man who had no intention of allowing the contest to drift into the final over's final moments. His unbeaten 42 off just 15 balls, studded with five fours and two sixes, turned a tense finish into a memorable Indian victory and gave the visitors a 1-0 lead in the...