India began their New Zealand tour with a high-scoring win in the first T20 at Christchurch on Tuesday.
After winning the toss, India opted to bowl first. New Zealand’s openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen attacked early, adding quick runs before Seifert fell for 24. Allen made 45 and Daryl Mitchell added 28 as the hosts kept the momentum.
The decisive surge came through Glenn Phillips and Jacobs, who punished the Indian attack to lift New Zealand to 225/4 in 20 overs. Phillips remained unbeaten on 82.
In reply, India went hard from the start but lost Abhishek Sharma (29) and Tilak Varma (6). Sanju Samson anchored the chase with a 67, while Shreyas Iyer struck 42 to keep India ahead of the asking rate.
India completed the chase at 230/6 in 19.4 overs, winning by four wickets. Naman Dhir (42*) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2*) stayed unbeaten at the finish.
