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India sets highest T20I chase, beats New Zealand in Christchurch

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 3:58 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

India Sets Record

India chased 226 runs in Christchurch, achieving the highest-ever T20I chase and defeating New Zealand.
Sanju Samson scored 67 off 33 balls, establishing a 93-run opening partnership.
Naman Dhir finished unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls, sealing the win with two balls remaining.
Glenn Phillips top-scored for New Zealand with an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls.
Prince Yadav claimed his first T20I wicket, dismissing Finn Allen for 45.

Summary

Kishan Ruled Out

Ishan Kishan was ruled out of the second T20I with a low-grade right adductor strain.
Kumar Kushagra joined the squad as cover, arriving from the India A camp in Christchurch.
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was named in the XI to bat at number three.
Tilak Varma moved back to the number-five slot after being promoted to three because of Kishan’s injury.

History

Historical Context

In 2007, India captured the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in Johannesburg, defeating Pakistan by five wickets and igniting a national T20 revolution. The triumph featured 12 participating nations, and star wicket-keeper MS Dhoni earned the Player of the Tournament award, boosting India's aggressive batting ethos. Today's 226-run chase in Christchurch mirrors that legacy, as Sanju Samson’s 67 and Naman Dhir’s 42 propelled India to a record-breaking victory over New Zealand. The precedent suggests India will continue leveraging depth, exemplified by debutant Prince Yadav’s wicket and Ishan Kishan’s injury replacement, to dominate future T20 series.

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India Sets Record

India chased 226 runs in Christchurch, achieving the highest-ever T20I chase and defeating New Zealand.
Sanju Samson scored 67 off 33 balls, establishing a 93-run opening partnership.
Naman Dhir finished unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls, sealing the win with two balls remaining.
Glenn Phillips top-scored for New Zealand with an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls.
Prince Yadav claimed his first T20I wicket, dismissing Finn Allen for 45.

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