INDvsNZ 1st T20I: Abhishek Sharma Off the Mark with Six; Sanju Samson Departs Early

India and New Zealand are locked in the first T20I of their five-match series in Nagpur, with the Black Caps winning the toss and opting to bowl. India’s opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson got off to a mixed start, with Sharma scoring 6 runs while Samson departed after a fiery beginning.

The hosts have made several changes to their playing XI, resting Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Shreyas Iyer, and Ravi Bishnoi. Ishan Kishan has been included and will bat at number three, adding firepower to India’s middle order.

New Zealand, meanwhile, handed a T20I debut to Kristian Clarke, who had impressed during the recent three-match ODI series against India. The team look to build momentum with their fresh addition to the squad.

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Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson aimed to provide a solid foundation for India’s innings, but Samson’s early dismissal brings pressure on the middle order to stabilise the innings. The match is being closely followed by fans as both teams vie for a strong start in the series.

Live updates indicate that India is trying to capitalise on a steady run rate in the powerplay, while New Zealand’s bowlers focus on picking early wickets to contain the home side’s momentum.

The T20I series promises exciting cricket, with India looking to leverage home conditions and New Zealand seeking to challenge them with a balanced bowling attack and debutant Kristian Clarke in the lineup.

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