India resist New Zealand fightback to win record-setting T20 cricket opener

New Zealand reach their highest home total against India, 225-4, but Sanju Samson hits fifty to top the record in chase.Published On 22 Oct 202622 Oct 2026India overcame a spirited New Zealand fightback after a blazing start to secure a thrilling four-wicket victory in Christchurch ⁠on Thursday and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 series.India survived a mid-innings wobble in a 226-run chase after openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma laid the platform, with Shreyas Iyer’s ⁠contribution reviving the chase and Naman Dhir applying the finishing touches to seal victory in 19.4 overs.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Man United’s Carrick not worried about his job despite ‘unacceptable’ losslist 2 of 4Maradona doctor was made ‘scapegoat’ for his death, Argentinian court toldlist 3 of 4Man United captain Fernandes slams Carrick’s tactics after Como hammeringlist 4 of 4Ballon d’Or: Which countries and players have won the most awards?end of list“When they [the openers] click, they set up the game for us, and the rest of us try to steady the ship and finish,” India captain Iyer said. “He [Dhir] gives us lots of options. I personally feel the calm and composed ‌nature he...