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Hardik Pandya-led team India and New Zealand squared off in Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium in the opener of the three-match T20I series. The visitors drew first blood in the T20I series as they emerged victorious by 21 runs.
Leading to the match, the Men in Blue were riding high on the back of an impressive whitewash 3-0 in the ODIs. However, the side was unable to obtain the desired result in the first T20I due to their poor performance with the bat and a rather underwhelming approach with the ball.
Opting to bowl first, India were on the backfoot as opener Finn Allen handed the Kiwis a blazing start. The batter displayed aggressiveness with the bat without wasting much time. However, Hardik introduced all-rounder Washington Sundar and the spinner immediately dismissed Allen for 35 off 23 and also took an impressive catch, lunging to his right to dismiss Mark Chapman for a naught in the same over.
Soon afterwards, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell produced magnificent half-centuries to fire the side to attain a respectable total of 176 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Sundar got economical figures of 2/22 in his given four overs.
Speaking about the run chase, team India had a decent batting line-up to start with and chase down the total. However, such was not the case as the top-order collapsed for just 11 runs between them in the second innings. As the pressure kept mounting, in came Suryakumar Yadav, and amassed 68 runs alongside skipper Hardij Pandya.
Just when the No. 1 T20I batter seemed to be getting into his zone, a mistimed shot to Ish Sodhi’s delivery sent him back to the dugout at a score of 47 off 34.. This eventually helped the rival side take complete control of the contest despite Sundar coming down the order and scoring a blistering half-century knock.
The all-rounder tried to give the rival side a run for their money and put up a tough fight with his 50 from mere 28 balls. However, New Zealand eventually wrapped up the contest and took the lead in the series 1-0. Daryl Mitchell was adjudged Player of the Match for his sensational knock during a time when the side needed someone to help get the big runs.
