A little speed breaker in momentum, but plenty of positives to ride on. New Zealand won the first T20I in Ranchi by 21 runs, but our boys went down with a fight.

Batting first, New Zealand made 176/7 in 20 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Devon Conway (52 off 35 balls) and Daryll Mitchell (59 off 30 balls). Washington Sundar was the pick of our bowlers, returning with figures of 2/22.

Suryakumar Yadav was at it again to rescue India, Sundar completed his first T20I half-century and skipper Hardik Pandya fought valiantly, but the Kiwi spin trio managed to triumph and they took a 1-0 lead in the three match series.

Superman Washington to the rescue

The Kiwis got off to a terrific start in the match, but Washy had other plans. Shortly after picking up the first wicket of the match, he flew like a superman to right to complete a stunning catch off his own bowling to dismiss Mark Chapman (That actually got us out of our seats!). Kuldeep Yadav joined the party soon by dismissing Glenn Phillips that had the Kiwis stranded at 103/3 in 13 overs.

Between them, the two gave away just 42 runs in eight overs and picked up three wickets.

Black Caps produce a big finish

The Indian spinners restricted the run flow and kept us in the driver’s seat. But Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell went all-out in the final five overs, raking up 59 runs. This included a 27 runs in the final over, which saw Mitchell bring up his fifty and the scorecard ticked past 170.

Oh my SKY! It’s him, IT’S HIM AGAIN!

India lost three wickets in a short span of time and were struggling at 15/3. But again, for aapla dada SKY, none of these things matter, do they? He hit two boundaries in his opening three deliveries, and casually picked it off the hips to smash Lockie Ferguson for a six over fine leg. He got going alongside Pandya and the Ranchi crowd had quite a few moments to cheer and hoot.

Suryakumar Yadav finished with 47 off 32 balls in slow, turning conditions - further strengthening his status as the best T20 batter in the world.

Sundar, “Athi Sundar”

After a terrific show with the ball, Washington Sundar got going with the bat as well. Alas, it wasn’t enough as India lost their way after SKY and Pandya were dismissed in a span of four deliveries. He smashed 50 off 28 balls, which included five fours and three big sixes. Alas, he ran out of partners but came close to pulling off a stunning heist in Ranchi.

We move next to Lucknow for the second T20I on Sunday (January 29).

Brief Scores

New Zealand 176/6 in 20 overs (Daryl Mitchell 59*; Washington Sundar 2/22) beat India 155/9 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50, Suryakumar Yadav 47; Mitchell Santner 2/11)