India sets T20I record chasing 226 against New Zealand

India achieved its highest successful run chase in T20 International cricket on October 22, 2026, defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the opening match of a five-match series in Christchurch. India's openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma provided a strong foundation with a 93-run opening partnership in 5.5 overs. Samson scored 67 off 33 balls including eight fours and four sixes, while Sharma contributed 29 off 12 balls. New Zealand's disciplined bowling created a mid-innings collapse, with India losing four wickets for just 28 runs between the 9th and 14th overs, reaching 122-4. Captain Shreyas Iyer stabilized the innings with 42 off 28 balls, partnering with Akshar Patel who scored 24 off 14 balls. Naman Dhir then delivered a match-winning unbeaten 42 off 15 balls, including five fours and two sixes, with the decisive strike coming off the final delivery of the 20th over from Matt Henry. India completed the chase in 19.4 overs. New Zealand had posted 225-4, with Glenn Phillips scoring an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, Bevon Jacobs 31 off 16 balls, and opener Finn Allen 45 off 24 balls. This victory surpassed India's previous T20I run-chase record of 209 runs, achieved twice in 2023 and 2026, and gave India a 1-0 series lead.