Naman Dhir had a day to remember as he guided team India to a four-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. In the opening clash of the five-game series on Thursday,
October 22, team India displayed an average bowling show as the hosts put up 225 runs for four. While the target looked daunting at first, visiting openers, especially Sanju Samson went all guns blazing and raced to 94/1 in the powerplay, making the target looked easily chaseable.
However, that’s when New Zealand spinners Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santer turned the game and picked four wickets in the middle overs, including the likes of Samson, Tilak Varma, who came in to bat at No. 3, and Ishan Kishan. Skipper Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel tried to steady the innings with a 45-run partnership, but Patel’s dismissal once again tilted the pendulum.
Naman Dhir absolutely smokes that one! 😮💨
Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand, 1st T20I, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels, Sony LIV & Sony Vizha.
#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZvIND https://t.co/Hi7sNJbPEp
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) October 22, 2026
India were in need of 49 runs in the last four overs, when Naman Dhir stepped in, and produced a fiery 15-ball 42 to help the side move past the victory line with two balls to spare. Dhir came up with a six off a Matt Henry to give finishing touches to the chase as India recorded a 1-0 early lead over the Kiwis.
Fans react to Naman Dhir’s match-winning knock against New Zealand
As India completed their highest successful T20I chase, fans took to X to laud the rising star. Here are some of the reactions-
Naman Dhir saw the six-hitting party and decided to take it to another level. 💥
42 off 15 balls. Pure intent, zero fear, maximum impact.
Now THAT is how you change a game 🇮🇳
#INDvsNZ https://t.co/7rGth3rFxq
— KR!SH (@Krish_RC_) October 22, 2026
225 on the Scorecard, CHASED DOWN by the Brothers of Destruction! 🇮🇳🔥
India WIN the 1st T20I against New Zealand in style! 💥🏏
Naman Dhir × Shreyas Iyer × Sanju Samson × Abhishek Sharma 🔥💙
WHAT A WIN, TEAM INDIA! 🇮🇳🏆
#INDvsNZ #TeamIndia #NZvIND https://t.co/ejTQFyoJmy
— Samridhi (@samridhi_i) October 22, 2026
INDIA BEAT NEW ZEALAND IN THE 1ST T20I BY CHASING 226. 🇮🇳
Wht a innings by Naman Dhir , Sanju Samson , Shreyas Iyer
What a finish by naman Dhir
#IndvsNz #NamanDhir #SanjuSamson https://t.co/rl5vD0lUmD— PretMeena (@PretMeena) October 22, 2026
Naman Dhir You’re a Superstar 🫡🔥 https://t.co/jDsnfaw5gl
— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) October 22, 2026
TAKE A BOW, NAMAN DHIR. 🙇
He came in under pressure situation and he smashed Unbeaten 42* runs from 15 balls including 5 fours and 2 sixes against New Zealand in first T20I Match – What a Knock by Naman Dhir. 👏 https://t.co/IJ5cYLv8hO
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) October 22, 2026
Naman Dhir is a player I’ll be very keen to see grow at the top level.
Playing a difficult role, yet the calmness on his play is impressive.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 22, 2026
In the second T20I, both teams will lock horns on Saturday, October 24 at Christchurch before the contingent moves to Wellington for the third T20I.
