India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first T20I of the five-match series on Thursday at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, completing a successful chase of 226 with two balls to spare. New Zealand had posted 225 for 4 from their 20 overs before India finished on 230 for 6 in 19.4 overs, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Glenn Phillips powered the hosts with an unbeaten 82 from 40 balls, supported by Finn Allen's 45 from 24 and Daryl Mitchell's 28 from 19. But the total proved just out of reach as India's batters kept pace with the asking rate throughout the chase.
Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for his 67 from 33 deliveries, which gave the chase its early momentum. Captain Shreyas Iyer added a valuable 42 from 28, and Naman Dhir finished the job with an unbeaten 42 from just 15 balls late in the innings.
The chase was the highest successful run chase by India in T20 internationals, passing their previous best of 209, according to Sportskeeda. It was also the first time India have successfully chased a target in excess of 220 in the format.
India won the toss and elected to field first. The result gives India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, and New Zealand will need to find a way to defend big totals better in the remaining games. The second T20I follows later in the tour.