World Cup ready? Abhishek's 84 and Rinku's last-over blast takes India to 238/7
India’s batting unit fired on all cylinders to set New Zealand a daunting target of 239 in the first T20I at the VCA Stadium. In a clinical display of power-hitting, opener Abhishek Sharma laid the foundation with a blistering 84, while Rinku Singh provided the finishing touch with a ruthless assault in the final over.
The Abhishek Sharma storm
After losing Sanju Samson (10) and the returning Ishan Kishan (8) early in the powerplay, Abhishek Sharma took total control of the narrative. The young left-hander reached his fifty in just 22 balls, taking a particular liking to the Kiwi spinners.
His innings of 84 off 35 balls was punctuated by lofted drives and back-foot whips, including a massive six over long-on that nearly resulted in a spectacular boundary-line catch by Mitchell. By the time he holed out to long-on in the 12th over, India was already cruising at 149/4.
The Rinku Singh finale
If Abhishek provided the start, Rinku Singh ensured a "grandstand" finish. Entering at number seven, Rinku initially played second fiddle to Hardik Pandya (25), but he exploded in the final over bowled by Daryl Mitchell.
The 20th Over Carnage:
19.1: Length ball, SIX (lofted over the bowler’s head)
19.2: In the slot, SIX (smoked over midwicket)
19.3: Dot
Wide called.
19.4: Slower short ball, FOUR (pulled past fine leg)
19.5: Dot
19.6: Slower ball — FOUR (pulled over square leg)
Key bowling figures
New Zealand's pace attack struggled to contain the flow of runs, though Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson managed to pick up crucial wickets to prevent an even higher total.
Jacob Duffy: 2/27
Kyle Jamieson: 2/54
Ish Sodhi: 1/38
