IND vs NZ 1st T20I LIVE Score: Abhishek Sharma misses hundred; Hardik Pandya eye big score for India; IND 149/4

In a thrilling start to the T20I series, India faced New Zealand in the 1st match, with the spotlight on Abhishek Sharma who narrowly missed a century. Despite his stellar performance, India's chase of New Zealand’s modest total of 126/7 faltered, ending at 149/4. While Sharma’s innings was a highlight, it was Hardik Pandya who remained crucial, eyeing a big score to steer India towards victory. The match saw a surprising turn of events as India, despite a promising start, was all out for just 79 in their first attempt. This unexpected collapse raised eyebrows, highlighting the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. The Indian lineup included key players like Sanju Samson, who took up the wicketkeeping duties, yet even his presence couldn't stabilize the innings after the initial setback. As the series progresses, both teams will be keen to reassess their strategies. For India, the focus will be on consistency and capitalizing on strong starts, while New Zealand will look to tighten their game plan, especially in the bowling department. The next match promises to be an exciting encounter as both sides aim to gain an upper hand in this closely contested series.

— Authored by Next24 Live