CONRAD DIAS
Ranchi, Jan 27: New Zealand beat India by 21 runs in the first T20 international held at JSCA stadium in Ranchi today.
Chasing a competitive total of 177 in 20 overs, India finished on 155 for 9 in their quota of overs. Washington Sundar was the top scorer for India with 50 off 28 deliveries.
Nz skipper Mitchell Santner was the star with the ball, conceded just 11 in four overs and chipped two crucial wickets.
Earlier, Daryl Mitchell’s late onslaught helped New Zealand to set a total of 176 in 20 overs.
After India won the toss, skipper Hardik Pandya sent in the host to bat first on a decent wicket.
Kiwi openers Finn Allen (35) and Devon Conway (52) helped Nz to a good start before the innings was slowed down by Indian bowlers.
Washington Sundar was the pick of the bowlers who took two wickets.
However, middle order batter Daryl Mitchell took Arshdeep in the last over which conceded 27 runs.