Abhishek Sharma’s Blitz Powers India to 238 Against New Zealand

India produced a batting onslaught in the opening T20I against New Zealand, riding on a breathtaking innings from Abhishek Sharma, who dismantled the visitors’ bowling attack to propel the hosts to a formidable 238 for 7 in their 20 overs.

Setting the tone from the outset, Abhishek attacked relentlessly, showing no respect for reputation or conditions. The left-hander struck 85 off 45 balls, clearing the ropes eight times and finding the boundary on five occasions, as India raced through the middle overs at a punishing pace.

The world’s top-ranked T20I batter forged a crucial 99-run partnership for the third wicket with skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who played a supporting role with a measured 32 from 22 deliveries, including four fours and a six. Together, the pair ensured India maintained momentum after early wickets.

India’s top order, however, was not without stumbles. Sanju Samson departed cheaply for 10, while returning wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan failed to settle, managing only eight runs.

Lower down the order, Hardik Pandya injected fresh energy with a brisk cameo, smashing 25 off 16 balls with three boundaries and a six before falling while attempting to accelerate further. Shivam Dube was unable to make an impact, scoring nine from four deliveries.

The finishing flourish came from Rinku Singh, who once again underlined his growing reputation as a dependable closer. Calm and clinical, Rinku remained unbeaten on 44 off just 20 balls, striking four fours and three sixes to lift India well beyond the 230 mark.

Earlier, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to field, but the decision backfired as India capitalised on favourable batting conditions. Among the Kiwi bowlers, Jacob Duffy stood out with a disciplined spell, conceding just 27 runs and claiming two wickets in his four overs.

In contrast, Kyle Jamieson endured an expensive outing, leaking 54 runs despite picking up two wickets. A tactical misstep from Santner in the final over proved costly, as he handed the ball to Daryl Mitchell, who was taken apart for 21 runs, allowing India to finish with a late surge.

Ish Sodhi, Santner and Kristian Clarke picked up a wicket apiece, but the damage had already been done by India’s aggressive batting display.

With a towering total on the board, India seized early control of the series, leaving New Zealand with a daunting chase in the opening match.

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