Record Blow for India as NZ Post 225 in First T20I

India suffered a historic setback with the ball in the first T20 International against New Zealand in Christchurch, as the hosts posted a formidable 225 for four wickets in 20 overs at Hagley Oval.

The match will be remembered for an unwanted milestone for the Indian bowling group. For the first time in T20 International history, five bowlers from the same side gave away 40 or more runs in one match.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to international cricket after four years, but his four-over spell cost 49 runs. Axar Patel was the costliest bowler, conceding 51 runs in four overs, though he did pick up a wicket. Arshdeep Singh took one wicket for 45 runs, while Mayank Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy each gave away 40 runs.

Every Indian bowler finished with an economy rate above 10. The figures show how difficult it was for the visitors to restrict the New Zealand batters during the innings.

Glenn Phillips led the hosts' charge with an unbeaten 82 from 40 balls. His innings included eight fours and three sixes. Finn Allen gave New Zealand a quick start with 45 runs from 24 deliveries.

Phillips and Bevon Jacobs put on a rapid 73 runs for the fourth wicket in just 32 balls. Jacobs contributed 31 runs from 16 balls, hitting three sixes. Darryl Mitchell scored 28 runs from 19 deliveries, and Tim Seifert made 24 runs from 17 balls.

The total is New Zealand's joint-highest score against India in T20 Internationals. Earlier this year, New Zealand had scored 225 against India in Thiruvananthapuram. The score is also the largest total in a T20 International at Hagley Oval.