Samson storm blows away Kiwis as India post first win in T20I series
Sanju Samson smashed sixty-seven from thirty-four balls as India chased down New Zealand’s target of two hundred and twenty-five, securing a convincing victory and taking the lead in the series.
Sanju Samson smashed sixty-seven from thirty-four balls as India chased down New Zealand’s target of two hundred and twenty-five, securing a convincing victory and taking the lead in the series.
Sanju Samson smashed sixty-seven from thirty-four balls as India chased down New Zealand’s target of two hundred and twenty-five, securing a convincing victory and taking the lead in the series.
Christchurch: It was Sanju Samson all the way as India secured a convincing win in the first T20 international of the series against New Zealand. The Malayali wicketkeeper exploded right from the beginning to tally a 67 off only 33 balls to lead India to a comfortable run-chase victory against the hosts.
On a cold night in Christchurch, batters yet again were in control of a major share of the game, adding emphasis on the public opinion of the game drifting away from the bowlers. New Zealand, who were sent to bat by India after winning the toss, posted a solid 225 on the board, having lost only 4 wickets. The total came off an incredible innings from Glenn Phillips, scoring an unbeaten 82 off only 40 deliveries.
The Indian bowling unit failed collectively, with not even one of the lot producing an economy under 10. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was eager to make a comeback into the national team, was far from making a mark, conceding 49 in his spell without managing a wicket.
In response, openers Sanju and Abhishek Sharma sent the New Zealand attack all over the park to produce a fiery start for India in the run-chase. India almost reached three figures within the Powerplay, with both batters taking an early advantage on the game, eliminating pressure. Sharma was caught off Michael Bracewell following an explosive cameo, while Sanju continued to fire, leaving the Indian middle order to complete a comfortable chase after his departure. His innings demoralised the bowling side, comprising 8 fours and 4 sixes.
Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan quickly followed Sanju back to the hut but the skipper Shreyas Iyer built a partnership with all-rounder Axar Patel to regain momentum. Iyer scored 42 off 28 to keep the scoreboard ticking regularly before getting dismissed by Adam Milne. Naman Dhir’s firepower cameo to stay unbeaten at 42 off only 15 balls, helped India seal the game and take the lead in the series.