India began their five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a dominant 48-run victory in the first Twenty20 International held in Nagpur on January 21, 2026. Opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a spectacular innings of 84 runs off 35 balls, featuring multiple sixes, and was named Player of the Match for his aggressive knock that laid the foundation for India’s massive total of 238 for 7. India’s early batting wobbles — including the quick dismissals of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan — were steadied by a strong partnership between Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav, before Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 44 boosted the total further.
Chasing 239, New Zealand struggled initially, losing key wickets cheaply. Although Glenn Phillips top-scored with a resilient 78, supported by Mark Chapman’s 39, the visitors could only reach 190 for 7 by the end of their 20 overs. India’s bowling attack, including two wickets apiece for Varun Chakravarthy and Shivam Dube, kept pressure on the New Zealand lineup to secure the comprehensive win and a 1–0 lead in the series. The second T20I is scheduled in Raipur on Friday.