![Sanju Samson takes a superb catch [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1769012622660_SanjuSamsontakesasuperbcatch.jpg?type=hq)
Sanju Samson takes a superb catch [Source: X]
India had a scintillating start to their defence of 238 runs against New Zealand, thanks to Sanju Samson. The star wicketkeeper batter of India took a screamer to send off Devon Conway for a duck. It also sent New Zealand’s chase on the backfoot as the team got an early blow.
Sanju Samson, who made a comeback to the T20I setup after the Australia series, showed utter dominance with the gloves as Arshdeep Singh stunned Conway with a peach in the very first over.
Sanju Samson grabs a screamer off Arshdeep Singh
On the second ball of the first over, with Devon Conway opening alongside Tim Robinson, Arshdeep Singh delivered a peach of a delivery. Bowling at just 132 kph, Arshdeep pitched a full-length outswinger outside the off-stump line.
Conway went forward and attempted to drive through the covers, but the ball took the outside edge and flew towards the wicketkeeper. Sanju Samson, stationed behind the stumps, reacted instantly, leaping to his left with a full-length dive to complete a stunning one-handed catch with his left hand.
The display of peak athleticism from Sanju Samson stood out, especially after recent questions were raised about his fitness and game awareness, both with the bat and behind the gloves. This dismissal once again highlighted why Samson remains a strong contender for a Playing XI place in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
Devon Conway’s early dismissal dealt a significant blow to New Zealand’s confidence. At the time of writing, the visitors had already lost three wickets inside the first 10 overs, with Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman currently at the crease.
India post mammoth total on the back of Abhishek Sharma
As for India, Sanju Samson, who opened the batting, failed to make an impact with the bat and was dismissed for just 10 runs.
However, India’s innings was anchored by Abhishek Sharma, who played a breathtaking knock of 84 off just 35 balls at a strike rate of 240, completely dismantling New Zealand’s bowling attack. Ishan Kishan, making a return to the T20I setup after a long gap, was dismissed for only eight runs.
Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya then chipped in with quickfire contributions of 32 and 25 respectively, helping India build on Abhishek Sharma’s explosive start.
Hardik looked to score at a rapid pace but was dismissed by Jacob Duffy in the 16th over, leaving Rinku Singh with the responsibility of finishing the innings.
Rinku Singh handled the situation brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 44 off 20 balls at a strike rate of 220. He stayed at the crease alongside Arshdeep Singh to push India’s total to a daunting figure.
Kiwi bowlers struggled at Nagpur
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled throughout the innings, with almost every bowler conceding runs at an economy rate above 10. Kristian Clarke, the hero of the previous ODI series, managed just one wicket from his four overs while conceding 40 runs.
Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy also endured tough spells, picking up two wickets each but failing to stem the flow of runs, as India piled on a monumental total against a visibly shaken New Zealand side.
