Hamilton, New Zealand | Saturday, March 1, 2025
New Zealand defeated India by 4 runs in a nail-biting first T20I match at Seddon Park today. The game kept fans on edge until the final ball, with both teams showcasing aggressive batting and disciplined bowling. The victory gives New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Toss and Team Decisions
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and chose to bat first. The decision paid off as the hosts posted a challenging total of 192/6 in 20 overs. India, led by stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya, fought hard but fell short at 188/8.
New Zealand’s Batting Dominance
Opener Finn Allen set the tone with a fiery 45 off 22 balls, smashing 4 sixes. Rachin Ravindra anchored the innings with a steady 63 off 41 deliveries, including 5 fours and 2 sixes. Glenn Phillips provided a late surge, scoring 34* off 18 balls. Indian bowlers struggled early but Arshdeep Singh (2/32) and Kuldeep Yadav (1/28) slowed the Kiwi momentum.
India’s Chase: A Rollercoaster Ride
India’s chase began shakily as Trent Boult dismissed Rohit Sharma (12) in the third over. Yashasvi Jaiswal (55 off 33) and Suryakumar Yadav (41 off 27) rebuilt the innings with a 76-run partnership. However, Lockie Ferguson’s pace (3/40) and Mitchell Santner’s spin (1/25) turned the game. Rinku Singh’s late 29* off 14 balls nearly sealed it for India, but Tim Southee defended 15 runs in the final over.
Key Moments
Ravindra’s 63 earned him Player of the Match.
Ferguson’s 18th over, where he took 2 wickets, shifted momentum.
Rinku Singh hit two sixes in the 19th over but fell short of partners.
Captains’ Reactions
Williamson praised his team’s adaptability: “Finn and Rachin gave us the start we needed. The bowlers held their nerve.” Pandya acknowledged missed chances: “We lost wickets in clusters. Need to finish better next game.”
Upcoming Matches
The second T20I is on March 3 at Eden Park, Auckland. India must win to keep the series alive.
Match Summary Table
| Team | Total Score | Top Batter | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 192/6 (20 overs) | Rachin Ravindra (63) | Lockie Ferguson (3/40) |
| India | 188/8 (20 overs) | Yashasvi Jaiswal (55) | Arshdeep Singh (2/32) |
Batting Stats (Key Players)
| Player (Team) | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rachin Ravindra (NZ) | 63 | 41 | 5 | 2 |
| Finn Allen (NZ) | 45 | 22 | 3 | 4 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) | 55 | 33 | 6 | 3 |
| Suryakumar Yadav (IND) | 41 | 27 | 4 | 2 |
Bowling Stats (Key Players)
| Player (Team) | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lockie Ferguson (NZ) | 4 | 40 | 3 |
| Mitchell Santner (NZ) | 4 | 25 | 1 |
| Arshdeep Singh (IND) | 4 | 32 | 2 |
| Kuldeep Yadav (IND) | 4 | 28 | 1 |
What’s Next?
The series moves to Auckland for the second T20I. India’s batting lineup must address middle-order collapses, while New Zealand aims to clinch the series early. Weather forecasts predict rain, which could add unpredictability.
Stay tuned for live updates on March 3!
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
