IND vs NZ 1st T20 Highlights: India Ride Abhishek Sharma’s Storm To 48-Run Win In Series Opener

IND vs NZ 1st T20I 2026 Highlights: Abhishek Sharma set the stage with a blistering 84 off 35 balls, while Rinku Singh’s late-over fireworks (44 off 20*) provided the knockout punch.

Background

The stage is set at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, where India and New Zealand will kick off a five-match T20I series with the opening encounter under lights in Nagpur.Suryakumar Yadav will take charge of the Indian side, arriving with an unblemished record in bilateral T20I series as captain. The series also offers him a timely opportunity to rediscover his rhythm with the bat, having endured a lean patch in recent outings.With the ICC T20 World Cup fast approaching, this contest carries added significance for both teams. A strong start and series victory could go a long way in building confidence and momentum heading into the global tournament.India vs New Zealand: T20I StatsHistorically, India have enjoyed the upper hand in this rivalry in the shortest format. The two sides have met 25 times in T20 Internationals so far, with India claiming 14 wins. New Zealand have secured victory in 10 matches, while one encounter failed to produce a result.The most recent T20I series between the two teams took place in 2023, where India emerged on top with a 2-1 series win, further underlining their edge heading into this latest chapter of the rivalry.Interestingly, one of New Zealand's 10 wins in the shortest format against India have come at the VCA Stadium, the venue for tonight's match. So despite the home advantage, this should be an exciting, evenly poised clash.The IND vs NZ 1st T20I is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM IST. The toss, as per general cricketing traditions, should take place half an hour earlier, so likely around 6:30 PM IST.IND vs NZ T20I Series: Full SquadsIndia - Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan, Ravi BishnoiNew Zealand - Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi

21/01/2026 22:43:26

India wins, take 1-0 lead!!!

India has officially taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series with a 48 run win over New Zealand at VCA Stadium in Nagpur. Defending a massive total of 238/7 - their highest-ever T20I score against the Black Caps - the Indian bowlers backed up the batters' brilliance by stifling New Zealand chase from the very first ball. Abhishek Sharma set the stage with a blistering 84 off 35 balls, while Rinku Singh’s late-over fireworks (44 off 20*) provided the knockout punch that essentially batted the visitors out of the game.

Despite a valiant lone-hand effort from Glenn Phillips, who smashed a defiant 78 off 40, New Zealand never truly threatened the target once the required rate spiraled past 15 runs per over. The Indian spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy (2/36) and Axar Patel (1/35) controlled the middle overs perfectly, while Arshdeep Singh’s early strikes and death-over precision ensured there were no late miracles. The only blemish on a near-perfect night for the hosts was a minor finger injury to Axar Patel, but the sheer margin of victory underscores India's status as favorites as they head to the second T20I.

21/01/2026 22:39:36

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 187-5 after 19 overs

A masterclass in death bowling from Arshdeep Singh has effectively ended any mathematical hope for Black Caps.

NZ 187-5 (19.0 Overs)

Target: 239 runs

Equation: 52 runs needed in 6 balls (Required RR: 52.00)

21/01/2026 22:35:35

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 181-5 after 18 overs

Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner managed to find three boundaries in the 18th over, taking 15 runs off champion pacer Bumrah. New Zealand now requires a mathematically near-impossible 58 runs from the final 12 balls.

NZ 181-5 (18.0 Overs)

Target: 239 runs

Equation: 58 runs needed in 12 balls (Required RR: 29.00)

21/01/2026 22:28:41

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 166-5 after 17 overs

The equation has now reached a point of no return for New Zealand. With the target at 239, New Zealand needs 73 runs from the final 18 balls. That is a required rate of 24.33 runs per over - or essentially, four boundaries every single over from here on out.

New Zealand: 166-5 (17.0 overs)

21/01/2026 22:24:47

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 154-5 after 16 overs

The required run rate has now officially reached the "astronomical" category.

New Zealand: 154-5 (16.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 21.25)

Daryl Mitchell: 11* (8), Mitchell Santner: 2* (2)

21/01/2026 22:19:36

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 144-5 after 15 overs

Varun Chakaravarthy has practically sealed the game for India, finishing with impressive figures of 2/36 in his 4 overs. With Chapman's departure, the last recognized specialized pair has been broken.

New Zealand: 144-5 (15.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 19.00)

Daryl Mitchell: 2* (3), Mitchell Santner: 1* (1)

21/01/2026 22:16:40

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 143-5 after 14.5 overs

Nagpur crowd is on its feet as India inches closer to a 1-0 lead! Just as Mark Chapman was trying to pick up the mantle left by Phillips, Varun Chakaravarthy returned to strike another massive blow.

New Zealand: 143-5 (14.5 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 18.58)

Mark Chapman: 39 (24) - c Abhishek Sharma b Chakaravarthy

Daryl Mitchell: 1* (1)

Equation: 96 runs needed in 31 balls

21/01/2026 22:14:46

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 136-4 after 14 overs

The roller-coaster 14th over has come to an end, and while New Zealand managed to find the boundary, the mountain still looks insurmountable. Axar Patel finished his spell with a mix of high-octane drama and calculated recovery.

New Zealand: 136-4 (14.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 17.17)

Mark Chapman: 33* (21), Daryl Mitchell: 1* (1)

Equation: 103 runs needed in 36 balls

21/01/2026 22:12:12

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 131-4 after 13.3 overs

WICKET! Heartbreaking end for Glenn Phillips. Just as he was threatening to turn a miracle into a reality, Axar Patel produced the defining blow of the second innings.

The over began with Phillips looking unstoppable, smashing a four and a towering six to reach 78 off just 40 balls. However, Axar responded with a clever, flatter delivery on middle stump. Phillips, looking to pull one more into the stands, didn't quite get the elevation. Shivam Dube, who had earlier dropped a difficult chance, made no mistake this time at long-on, lunging forward to claim a clutch catch.

New Zealand: 131-4 (13.3 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 16.62)

Glenn Phillips: 78 (40) - c Dube b Axar

Mark Chapman: 29* (19)

21/01/2026 22:07:43

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 121-3 after 13 overs

Glenn Phillips has officially moved to a full-blown assault, taking on Varun Chakaravarthy in a high-stakes battle of wits. Mark Chapman is playing the supporting role to perfection, rotating the strike to keep the set batter in the line of fire.

New Zealand: 121-3 (13.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 16.86)

Glenn Phillips: 68* (37), Mark Chapman: 29* (19)

21/01/2026 22:03:36

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 110-3 after 12 overs

The fireworks have officially begun! Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman have decided that the only way to stay in this hunt is to take the "Dube Gamble." After a steady start, the Kiwi duo targeted Shivam Dube’s medium pace, plundering 15 runs from the 12th over.

New Zealand: 110-3 (12.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 16.12)

Glenn Phillips: 58* (32), Mark Chapman: 28* (18)

21/01/2026 21:58:58

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 95-3 after 11 overs

Jasprit Bumrah has brought a sense of calm back to the Indian camp, even as Glenn Phillips reached a gritty milestone.

The highlight of the over was Phillips tucking a length ball away for four to bring up his 50 off just 29 balls. It’s been a remarkable lone-hand effort from the Kiwi power-hitter, who has now scored more than half of his team's total runs.

New Zealand: 95-3 (11.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 16.00)

Glenn Phillips: 50* (29), Mark Chapman: 21* (15)

21/01/2026 21:52:12

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 87-3 after 10 overs

After 10 overs, Black Caps find themselves staring at a daunting mountain. Shivam Dube managed to keep the dangerous Glenn Phillips relatively quiet, despite a last-ball boundary that spoiled an otherwise tidy over.

Phillips is currently the lone warrior for New Zealand, sitting just two runs away from a defiant half-century.

New Zealand: 87-3 (10.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 15.20)

Glenn Phillips: 48* (27). Mark Chapman: 15* (11)

21/01/2026 21:47:57

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 77-3 after 9 overs

Required run rate continues to climb, but New Zealand has finally produced their biggest over of the chase so far. Glenn Phillips is single-handedly keeping the Black Caps’ hopes on life support, taking on the mystery of Varun Chakaravarthy with sheer brute force.

Mark Chapman also found his first boundary of the night, helping the visitors plunder 14 runs from the over.

New Zealand: 77-3 (9.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 14.73)

Glenn Phillips: 39* (22), Mark Chapman: 14* (10)

21/01/2026 21:43:42

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 63-3 after 8 overs

The required run rate is beginning to look like a mountain that even big-hitting Kiwis might struggle to climb. Axar Patel's second over was a mix of disciplined spin and a momentary release of pressure, as Glenn Phillips managed to find the boundary with a powerful sweep.

Despite the 9 runs from the over, the equation has ballooned to 176 runs needed from just 72 balls.

New Zealand: 63-3 (8.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 14.66)

Glenn Phillips: 32* (20), Mark Chapman: 7* (6)

21/01/2026 21:40:32

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 54-3 after 7 overs

After striking with his third ball, Varun Chakaravarthy delivered a masterclass in defensive spin bowling to close out the seventh.

Despite New Zealand having a set batter in Glenn Phillips, Chakaravarthy’s variations made it nearly impossible for Kiwis to find the boundary. He conceded just four singles in the over.

New Zealand: 54-3 (7.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 14.23)

Glenn Phillips: 30* (18), Mark Chapman: 1* (2)

21/01/2026 21:39:02

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 52-3 after 6.3 overs

Wicket! The "Mystery" has arrived in Nagpur! Varun Chakaravarthy, world’s top-ranked T20I bowler, has struck with only his third delivery of the night.

After New Zealand managed to claw back into the game during final Powerplay overs, Chakaravarthy immediately slammed the brakes on their momentum. He floated a subtle carrom ball to Tim Robinson, who looked to heave it across the line but only succeeded in finding Shivam Dube at mid-on. Robinson’s fighting knock of 21 ends just as he was looking dangerous.

New Zealand: 52-3 (6.3 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 13.85)

Tim Robinson: 21 (15) - c Dube b Chakaravarthy

Glenn Phillips: 28* (16)

21/01/2026 21:36:21

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 50-2 after 6 overs

The Powerplay concludes with a flurry of runs as Glenn Phillips decides to take the attack to the spin of Axar Patel.

After a quiet start to over, Phillips unleashed a massive six over mid-wicket, followed by a clever two to end the over. New Zealand has reached the 50-run mark, exactly matching the 6-over score India had earlier tonight (50-2).

New Zealand: 50-2 (6.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 13.50)

Glenn Phillips: 28* (16), Tim Robinson: 20* (13)

21/01/2026 21:31:13

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 39-2 after 5 overs

Enter the "Boom Boom" effect. Jasprit Bumrah introduced into the attack for the final over of Powerplay, and he immediately brought the runaway New Zealand scoring rate back under his control.

Facing two set batters in Glenn Phillips and Tim Robinson, Bumrah delivered a clinic in T20I bowling. Despite the dew starting to play a factor, he conceded just 6 runs.

New Zealand: 39-2 (5 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 13.33)

Tim Robinson: 19* (11), Glenn Phillips: 18* (12)

21/01/2026 21:27:45

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 33-2 after 4 overs

The pendulum has swung violently in the fourth over! After India’s opening bowlers kept Black Caps on a leash, Hardik Pandya’s second over turned into a nightmare for India and a lifeline for visitors.

Young opener Tim Robinson decided he had seen enough of defensive approach. He dismantled Hardik’s rhythm, beginning with a defiant boundary before launching a massive six over mid-wicket. By the time the over ended, 17 runs had been bled.

New Zealand: 33-2 (4.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 12.88)

Tim Robinson: 18* (10), Glenn Phillips: 13* (7)

21/01/2026 21:20:20

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 16-2 after 3 overs

Nagpur crowd is witnessing a fascinating tug-of-war. After the early double-blow from the Indian pacers, New Zealand has finally found some rhythm through Glenn Phillips.

The third over, delivered by Arshdeep Singh, was an expensive one for the hosts. Phillips, coming off a blistering ODI century in Indore just days ago, showed his intent by smoking two boundaries.

New Zealand: 16-2 (3.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 13.11)

Glenn Phillips: 12* (6), Tim Robinson: 3* (5)

21/01/2026 21:17:46

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 4-2 after 2 overs

The Indian pace battery is firing on all cylinders in Nagpur! After Arshdeep Singh provided the opening breakthrough, Hardik Pandya kept the foot on the gas in the second over.

Hardik’s over was a masterclass in control, conceding just three runs despite presence of dangerous Glenn Phillips.

New Zealand: 4-2 (2.0 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 13.06)

21/01/2026 21:13:50

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 1-2 after 1.3 overs

WICKET! The mountain just got steeper for the Black Caps! Hardik Pandya, sharing the new ball tonight, has struck in his very first over to send the dangerous Rachin Ravindra back to the dugout.

Abhishek Sharma makes no mistake at slip. Following his crucial 25-run cameo with the bat, Hardik has immediately made an impact with the ball, leaving New Zealand's top order in tatters.

New Zealand: 1-2 (1.3 overs)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 12.86)

21/01/2026 21:11:50

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 1-1 after 1 over

A dramatic first over in Nagpur has set tone for this massive chase. Arshdeep Singh has once again proved why he is New Zealand's "Kryptonite" in the Powerplay. After removing Devon Conway for a duck with his second delivery, Arshdeep maintained relentless pressure on the new batters.

New Zealand: 1-1 (1.0 over)

Target: 239 runs (Required RR: 12.53)

21/01/2026 21:05:30

IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand 0-1 after 0.2 overs

Early disaster for the Black Caps! Arshdeep Singh has struck with only his second ball of the innings, and it’s the big fish, Devon Conway.

In what is becoming a nightmare matchup for the Kiwi opener, Arshdeep has now dismissed Conway four times in just 11 deliveries in T20I cricket.

New Zealand: 0-1 (0.2 overs)

Target: 239 runs

21/01/2026 20:50:54

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 238-7 after 20 overs

Perfect finish for the Men in Blue as Rinku Singh musters a whopping 21 runs from the final over delivered by Daryl Mitchell. India have set a massive total for New Zealand to chase at the VCA Stadium, their biggest against this opposition in the format.

India: 238-7 (20 overs)

Rinku Singh: 44(20)
Arshdeep Singh: 6(6)

21/01/2026 20:42:28

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 217-7 after 19 overs

Arshdeep Singh manages to salvage a four from what was turning out to be an excellent over for New Zealand. 6 runs come off it with 1 over left.

India: 217-7 (19 overs)

Rinku Singh: 24(14)
Arshdeep Singh: 6(6)

21/01/2026 20:37:44

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 211-7 after 18 overs

The double century is up for India and New Zealand are staring at a daunting total to chase in the second innings, even with the dew factor. 14 runs from the over.

India: 211-7 (18 overs)

Rinku Singh: 23(13)
Arshdeep Singh: 2(1)

21/01/2026 20:36:33

IND vs NZ Live Score: Pace Off Does The Trick

Axar Patel gets caught on the boundary off a slower ball. He goes for a run-a-ball 5 as India go 7-down with a little over 2 overs left.

21/01/2026 20:32:59

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 197-6 after 17 overs

India are on the cusp of the 200-run mark. They score 10 runs off Jamieson's last over, which results in an expensive 54-run spell, albeit with 2 wickets.

India: 197-6 (17 overs)

Rinku Singh: 12(10)
Axar Patel: (3)

21/01/2026 20:28:00

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 187-6 after 16 overs

Excellent over from New Zealand's point of view. Just 5 runs from it and the wicket of the dangerous Hardik Pandya.

India: 187-6 (16 overs)

Rinku Singh: 5(6)
Axar Patel: 1(1)

21/01/2026 20:25:49

IND vs NZ Live Score: Hardik Pandya Goes

Excellent over so far from Jacob Duffy. The building pressure pays off with the big wicket of Hardik Pandya who goes on 25 off 16 balls.

21/01/2026 20:22:50

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 182-5 after 15 overs

A four, six, and 4 singles from Santner's over to make it 14 runs for India. Hardik Pandya continues going strong while Rinku Singh is taking his time to settle in.

India: 182-5 (15 overs)

Rinku Singh: 3(4)
Hardik Pandya: 24(13)

21/01/2026 20:19:08

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 168-5 after 14 overs

This over was the perfect emodiment of how this match has been going. India drop a wicket but score 14 runs and are now on the cusp of a big total, that is if their established batsmen stay at the crease.

India: 168-5 (14 overs)

Rinku Singh: 1(2)
Hardik Pandya: 12(9)

21/01/2026 20:15:20

IND vs NZ Live Score: Soft Dismissal

Yet again, it is an Indian wicket falling after a surge of momentum. Shivam Dube is caught on 9 off 4 as half of the batting order falls inside 15 overs.

India: 166-5 (13.4 overs)

21/01/2026 20:11:19

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 154-4 after 13 overs

A quiet over after consistent fireworks from the Indian batsmen. Only 5 runs come off it with two new men at the crease.

India: 154-4 (13 overs)

Shivam Dube: 3(2)
Hardik Pandya: 7(7)

21/01/2026 20:05:57

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 149-4 after 12 overs

Absolute carnage from Abhishek Sharma as he races to 5,000 runs faster than anyone in T20Is with two a four and two sixes in the over, but Ish Sodhi gets the last laugh with the wicket.

India: 149-4 (12 overs)

Abhishek Sharma: 84(35) - OUT
Hardik Pandya: 5(3)

21/01/2026 20:00:26

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 130-3 after 11 overs

A big over for India, putting aside the wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, who was looking good. Hardik Pandya replaces him to score 4 runs on the remaining balls to make it 13 from the over.

India: 130-3 (11 overs)

Abhishek Sharma: 67(30)
Hardik Pandya: 4(2)

21/01/2026 19:58:10

IND vs NZ Live Score: India Go 3-Down!

Suryakumar Yadav depart on 32 off 22 deliveries. Not a big score, but surely positive signs considering the recent slump he has been in.

21/01/2026 19:52:28

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 117-2 after 10 overs

Ish Sodhi goes for 11 runs after a decent first over. India are racing to a big score at the moment with Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav dealing in boundaries.

India: 117-2 (10 overs)

Abhishek Sharma: 60(28)
Suryakumar Yadav: 31(20)

21/01/2026 19:50:52

IND vs NZ Live Score: Huge Milestone For SKY!

Suryakumar Yadav scores a four in his signature style and crosses 9,000 runs in T20Is.

21/01/2026 19:48:04

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 106-2 after 9 overs

The Men in Blue keep the scoreboard ticking at a high rate. A six from Abhishek Sharma brings up the 100-run mark as they muster 10 runs from Mitchell Santner's over.

India: 106-2 (9 overs)

Abhishek Sharma: 59(26)
Suryakumar Yadav: 21(16)

21/01/2026 19:44:40

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 96-2 after 8 overs

A forgetful over for New Zealand, particularly for Kristian Clarke who had two bad misfields in the deep, resulting in fours. Overall, India scored 20 runs from it.

India: 96-2 (8 overs)

Abhishek Sharma: 51(23)
Suryakumar Yadav: 19(13)

21/01/2026 19:45:15

IND vs NZ Live Score: Fifty For Abhishek Sharma!

Abhishek Sharma reaches yet another half century, this time in just 22 balls. Three consecutive fours and single bring him to the mark.

This is the fastest fifty against New Zealand by an Indian batsman.

21/01/2026 19:39:25

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 76-2 after 7 overs

A decent over from Ish Sodhi, despite a four snuck in by Abhishek Sharma, who continues his aggressive batting despite the fielding restrictions being lifted.

India: 76-2 (7 overs)

Abhishek Sharma: 37(18)
Suryakumar Yadav: 18(12)

21/01/2026 19:34:45

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 68-2 after 6 overs

Another big over from India's point of view as they muster 14 runs from it. The Power Play concludes and New Zealand can now have more fielders outside of the inner circle.

India: 68-2 (6 overs)

Abhishek Sharma: 31(15)
Suryakumar Yadav: 15(8)

21/01/2026 19:30:27

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 54-2 after 5 overs

Great over for India as 16 runs come off it, featuring two sixes from Abhishek Sharma. One more over left in the Power Play.

India: 54-2 (5 overs)

Abhishek Sharma: 24(11)
Suryakumar Yadav: 9(7)

21/01/2026 19:25:04

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 38-2 after 4 overs

India continue hitting hard despite early setbacks. Suryakumar Yadav looks in good touch, but so did Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan before they handed their wickets away.

India: 38-2 (4 overs)

Abhishek Sharma: 10(7)
Suyakumar Yadav: 8(4)

21/01/2026 19:20:46

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 31-2 after 3 overs

Suryakumar Yadav steps in and gets off the mark with a four. That results in 9 runs and a wicket from Jacob Duffy's second over of the night.

India: 31-2 (3 overs)

Abhishek Sharma - 7(5)
Suryakumar Yadav - 4(1)

21/01/2026 19:18:59

IND vs NZ Live Score: More Trouble For India

Ishan Kishan has to walk back after some big hits. He departs on 8 off 5 balls handing a rather easy catch in the covers. 

India: 27-2 (2.5 overs)

21/01/2026 19:15:09

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 22-1 after 2 overs

Eventful over for both sides! 2 Fours from Sanju Samson, followed by his dismissal. Ishan Kishan steps in and lifts it over the bowler's head for another four.

India: 22-1 (2 overs)

Abhishek Sharma: 6(4)
Ishan Kishan: 4(1)

21/01/2026 19:12:36

IND vs NZ Live Score: Soft Dismissal

Sanju Samson 10(7) hands a regulation catch to Rachin Ravindra in the inner circle, and New Zealand have their first breakthrough.

India: 18-1 (1.5 overs)

21/01/2026 19:07:55

IND vs NZ Live Score: India 8-0 after 1 over

Quiet start to the first over, but Abhishek Sharma sends the final ball for a big six down the ground, kickstarting India's innings in style!

India: 8-0 (1 over)

Abhishek Sharma: 6(4)
Sanju Samson: 0(2)

21/01/2026 19:04:20

IND vs NZ Live Score: First Ball Delivered!

Jacob Duffy delivers the first ball of the match, Sanju Samson defends. No runs.

21/01/2026 18:58:05

IND vs NZ Live Score: National Anthems Commence

The first ball will be delivered shortly, but its time for the national anthems first, New Zealand's to be followed by India's.

21/01/2026 18:40:12

IND vs NZ Live Score: Surya On Losing The Toss

Here's what India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, said upon losing the toss and being asked to bat first:

"We were looking to bowl first because we felt there was dew around 8.30 during our practice. But we don't mind putting runs on the board and we have done well batting first."

21/01/2026 18:37:07

IND vs NZ Live Score: Playing XIs Revealed

India - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand - Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Kristian Clakre, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson

21/01/2026 18:33:06

IND vs NZ Live Score: Debut Alert!

Kristian Clarke will make his debut for New Zealand in T20Is following an impressive run in the One Day International (ODI) series.

 

21/01/2026 18:31:40

IND vs NZ Live Score: Toss Conducted!

New Zealand's captain, Mitchell Santner, has won the toss and elected to bowl first.

21/01/2026 18:23:22

IND vs NZ Live Score: Ishan Kishan Returns

Suryakumar Yadav attended the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, and confirmed that Ishan Kishan would be taking the No.3 slot in the Indian batting lineup.

21/01/2026 18:20:24

IND vs NZ Live Score: 10 Minutes Until Toss

The coin toss is expected to take place at around 6:30 PM IST, half an hour before the game kicks off.

The playing XIs for both India and New Zealand should be revealed once the toss has been conducted.

21/01/2026 18:19:00

IND vs NZ Live Score: SKY Approaches Major Milestone

Suryakumar Yadav, India's captain, can hit a major milestone in T20 Internationals today against New Zealand.

If he manages to score just 25 runs, he will reach 9,000 runs in the format.

21/01/2026 18:15:57

IND vs NZ Live Score: Head-To-Head Record

India and New Zealand have met 25 times in T20Is, with India leading the rivalry with 14 wins. New Zealand have won 10 matches, while one game ended in a tie.

Their last T20I series meeting came in 2023, which India won 2–1.

21/01/2026 18:13:49

IND vs NZ Live Score: India's Unbeaten Run Under SKY-Gambhir Duo

Suryakumar Yadav was handed the captaincy reins for India in T20Is shortly after Gautam Gambhir was named Head Coach.

Since then, this coach-captain duo has been on an unbeaten run, winning bilaterial series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, Australia and South Africa, as well as the ACC Asia Cup 2025 in an undefeated campaign.