India won the first T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval by four wickets, chasing 226 to finish 230/6 in 19.4 overs. The victory was the highest‑ever successful chase by India in the format and marked a 1‑0 lead in the five‑match series.
During the match, Ishan Kishan was dismissed for one run off three deliveries, caught by Allen off Santner, at 122/4 in the 10.3rd over. He had been batting at No. 5, following Tilak Varma who fell at 117/3 in the 9.3rd over.
The BCCI confirmed that Kishan will miss the second T20I on 24 Oct because of a low‑grade right adductor strain. The injury was sustained in the first match and the medical team is monitoring his progress, though a recovery timeline has not been set.
With Kishan out, the batting coach Sitanshu Kotak hinted that 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be called up for the next game. Sooryavanshi is already in the squad and would be the youngest player to feature in the series if selected.
India’s chase was powered by Sanju Samson’s 67 off 33 balls and Naman Dhir’s unbeaten 42 off 15, while New Zealand’s innings was anchored by Glenn Phillips’ 82 not out off 40. The hosts were bowled out for 225/4, giving India a 4‑wicket margin of victory.
The series remains a tight contest, with India leading 1‑0. The second T20I is scheduled for 24 Oct in Christchurch, followed by matches on 27 Oct in Wellington, 30 Oct in Auckland and 1 Nov in Hamilton.
If Sooryavanshi is included, it would mark a historic moment for Indian cricket, as he would become the youngest player to appear in a T20I for the national side.