India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the first T20 International on Thursday, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a target of 226, India reached 230/6 in 19.4 overs, with Sanju Samson leading the charge with a blistering 67.
India got off to a flying start, reaching 94/1 at the end of the powerplay, with Samson and Tilak Varma at the crease. However, Mitchell Santner provided New Zealand with a crucial breakthrough in the ninth over, dismissing Samson for 67 off just 33 balls. Shreyas Iyer then joined Varma at the crease.