India began their five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a thrilling four-wicket victory at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22. Chasing a massive target of 226, the visitors reached 230/6 in 19.4 overs, with two balls to spare, to register a historic win. Sanju Samson starred with an explosive 67 off 33 deliveries, while Naman Dhir delivered a match-winning cameo under pressure to take India over the line.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 225/4 in their 20 overs, their highest-ever home T20I total against India. Glenn Phillips led the hosts’ batting assault with an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, but India’s aggressive batting display ensured that his effort ended in defeat. The result also sparked widespread reactions from cricket fans on social media.

Glenn Phillips powers New Zealand to a massive total

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, India struggled to contain New Zealand’s aggressive batting lineup. Finn Allen provided an explosive start with 45 off 24 deliveries, giving the hosts early momentum. Phillips then took charge of the innings, smashing an unbeaten 82 off just 40 balls.

His knock included eight fours and three sixes, with a stunning reverse-flick for four off Bhuvneshwar Kumar on the final delivery adding a memorable finish. Bevon Jacobs also contributed a rapid 31 off 16 balls as New Zealand finished with 225/4. Axar Patel, Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh picked up one wicket each, but India’s bowling attack struggled to restrict the scoring throughout the innings.

Sanju Samson and Naman Dhir seal India’s record chase

India responded aggressively, with Samson and Abhishek Sharma putting together a 93-run opening partnership in just 35 deliveries. Samson smashed 67 off 33 balls, while Abhishek scored 29 off 12 deliveries to give the visitors a flying start. New Zealand fought back through Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, who claimed two wickets each to trigger a middle-order collapse. Captain Shreyas Iyer then steadied the innings with a crucial 42 off 28 balls.

With the match heading towards a tense finish, Dhir produced an outstanding unbeaten 42 off just 15 deliveries. Needing two runs from the final three balls, he top-edged a hook shot off Matt Henry over the wicketkeeper for a six to seal India’s memorable victory. India reached 230/6 in 19.4 overs to complete their highest successful run chase in T20I cricket history. Samson was named Player of the Match for his match-defining contribution at the top of the order.

Also WATCH: Glenn Phillips plays outrageous reverse shot off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in NZ vs IND 1st T20I

Here’s how fans reacted:

What a finish from Naman Dhir at the end 42* (15) 🌟

– India go 1-0 up in the series 🙌#NamanDhir #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/Spd9YhYt0V

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 22, 2026

𝙒𝙃𝘼𝙏. 𝘼. 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙎𝙀 🤩

Naman Dhir, take a bow 👏

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/ADfFnxXGzz#TeamIndia | #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/3VcfLDwPQJ

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 22, 2026

Naman Dhir is a player I’ll be very keen to see grow at the top level.

Playing a difficult role, yet the calmness on his play is impressive.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 22, 2026

Indian cricket has got a new finisher and it's called Naman dhir, He is a sharp and smart fighter.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 22, 2026

Kaha gae, jo bolte the – "No flat track, no party for India outside Asia" 🤨

India just chased down their highest successful run chase in T20Is and slapped the haters from Pakistan & Bangladesh, who always try to troll India but end up getting trolled themselves 😅#INDvsNZ

— Ajay Jadeja (@AjayJadeja171) October 22, 2026

Literally a month into his international career. Yes I know it’s way too early – But Naman Dhir’s temperament, approach and demeanour looks very well suited for crunch moments. The game will continue to develop – But has so many things going for him, as if he’s been playing at…

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) October 22, 2026

INDIA BEAT NEW ZEALAND IN THE 1ST T20I BY CHASING 226. 🇮🇳

– Naman Dhir played a vital knock of 42* (15). pic.twitter.com/xdjH2coSbt

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 22, 2026

HISTORY BY INDIA – SHREYAS IYER & HIS TEAM REGISTERED THE HIGHEST SUCCESSFUL CHASE EVER IN INDIAN T20I HISTORY 😍🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/3OqdbUpJji

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 22, 2026

Naman Dhir smashed 42 not out off 15 balls and finished it with a six as India chased down 226 to beat New Zealand by four wickets, with two balls to spare, in the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday.

It was India's highest successful chase in T20… pic.twitter.com/EgBIS5nxOp

— Ifeanyi (@IamIfeanyio) October 22, 2026

Naman Dhir is absolute monster, he can bowl 4 overs as well as can bat better than NKR, Axar and Washington Sundar.

There shall be no place for Washington in either format now!
pic.twitter.com/jklOEjBEYe

— Abhimanyu (@TheAbhimayuh) October 22, 2026

Mental Adhi emi kottudu Ra Babu NAMAN DHIR 42*(15) 🔥🥵
The new finisher has arrived for India#INDvsNZ #NamanDhir https://t.co/1A6ZXM651q

— OG_45 ⚔️ (@always_hitman45) October 22, 2026

Also WATCH: Mayank Yadav dismisses Tim Seifert with a 141kph thunderbolt in NZ vs IND 1st T20I