India v New Zealand live updates, 1st T20I 2021: Score, commentary, where to watch on TV and live streaming | IND vs NZ

India v New Zealand: Live Scorecard 

India v New Zealand, 1st T20I 2021: Live updates

Right! That will be that from us for this extraordinary encounter! Do join us when these two teams clash on the 19th at Ranchi in what promises to be another exciting affair. Till then, this is me signing off! Goodbye, stay safe!

Phew! It has been some game. For large parts, it seemed that India were destined to cross the line. However, just when push came to shove, they began showing the wears and tears of a pressure game. Their middle order floundered when it was easier to canter to victory and that might be something that concerns Rahul Dravid. Apart from that, their openers were at their best and Suryakumar Yadav performed exceptionally at No.3. Pant, too, despite huffing and puffing, got the job done at the end.

New Zealand, meanwhile, would be thrilled that they were able to stretch the game this far. They certainly weren’t at their best but the fact that they still competed earnestly would give them confidence. On these surfaces, they seem a quality spinner short, especially in Sodhi’s absence but there was enough in their bowling effort for them to be quietly satisfied heading to Ranchi.

Over 19.4: India 166-5 – Pant finishes it off in style

Pant telegraphed the slower delivery on a back of a length. And, once that happened, there was only ever going to be one outcome. Not the kind of finish India would’ve expected, especially after 15 overs of the run-chase. But a finish they would be glad came about eventually!

Over 19.3: India 162-5 – 3 off 3 needed; Pant on strike

A scampered single on the third ball means that Pant has the opportunity to seal the deal. Can he do it though? He has played a lot of strokes but has only crawled to 13 off 16 balls. Let’s see what happens!

Axar Patel is the new man in and will be on strike!

Over 19.2: India 160-5 – Venkatesh perishes

Just a delivery after playing a glorious pull shot, Venkatesh looks for the reverse dab and succumbs. Oh my! The pressure is getting to the Indian batters. They need to be calm here. They only need 5 runs off 4 balls!

Over 19.1: India 160-4 – Venkatesh Iyer stamps his authority

Mitchell went back of a length and Venkatesh ensured that it hurtled into the fence much quicker. First ball in international cricket, no less. Pressure, anyone?

Daryl Mitchell to bowl the final over. No spin then, it seems! Venkatesh Iyer on strike!

Over 19: India 155-4 – Southee gets Shreyas; India under the pump

Both batters couldn’t come to grips with Southee’s variations and lengths, meaning that India now need 10 runs off the final over. Pant is also not on strike because the batters crossed. Spare a thought for Venkatesh Iyer, though, who is making his debut!

Only three runs have come off the first three balls. New Zealand are clawing their way back into this contest. Can Pant turn things around for India? 13 runs required off 9 balls now!

Southee to bowl the 19th over. Huge moment in the game!

Over 18: India 149-3 NZ tightening the screw

India are starting to feel the pressure now. Only 7 runs have come in the past two overs and they require 16 runs in the 12 balls that remain. Pant has had a few agricultural swipes but hasn’t connected. Shreyas, on the other hand, has struggled for timing so far. One over of the spinner is still left and that could be something India might gamble upon. Mitchell is another option.

Over 16.4: India 144-3 – Boult gets rid of Suryakumar

Suryakumar seemed in a hurry to finish things off quickly and gets a tad too funky this time. He looks for a paddle and gets bowled by a searing yorker. Surely India are not going to make a meal of this run chase? 21 runs needed off 20 balls!

Over 16: India 142-2 – Kiwis being run ragged by India

The 16th over had everything. It had a couple of remarkable strokes and a dropped catch by Trent Boult. The end result – India are hurtling closer to victory and a win seems more a matter of when, rather than if, at the moment.

Over 15: India 127-2 – India ticking along

Rohit’s dismissal has not brought about a lull in the scoring rate. Suryakumar has taken up the mantle brilliantly. That, coupled with Pant’s busy start has allowed India to stay ahead of the rate. Unless New Zealand can conjure something dramatic, this game seems to be going only one way!

Over 14.1: India 121-2 – Suryakumar gets to 50; 3rd in T20Is!

Throughout the T20 World Cup, Suryakumar didn’t get many chances to bat at No.3. Today, he did and he has repaid the faith handsomely. He has played shots all across the dial and has shown India that he can be the 360-degree batter they crave.

Over 13.2: India 109-2 – Boult gets Rohit

Rohit has been severe on anything short today but it ultimately leads to his downfall. Again, this is an off-pace delivery on a back of a length and it is incredible how the Kiwis haven’t resorted to this tack earlier. Nevertheless, just a bit of hope for NZ and a potential banana skin for India.

Over 12: India 104-1 – Suryakumar capitalizes on favourable match-up

Feeding Suryakumar leg-spin is like showing a red rag to a bull. Since 2020, he has struck at more than 164 against leg-spin and those qualities have come to the fore today. Another such over and the game could be well beyond the Kiwis.

Over 10: India 85-1 – India ahead at Drinks

India haven’t been very proactive post the Power Play but have scored enough boundaries to keep themselves ahead of the rate. They are in control of this run-chase and unless New Zealand get a couple of quick wickets, the game might just slip away.

Over 9: India 79-1 – Suryakumar breaks the shackles

Just as it seemed that India were drifting into the lull, Suryakumar comes up with a stroke that hasn’t just kept India ahead of the rate but has also fired a warning shot to the Kiwi spinners. So far, they have bowled the lines and lengths they want. Not sure if that will continue for long!

Over 8: India 67-1 – Kiwis curbing the run-flow

Both of New Zealand’s frontline spinners seem to have gotten into a decent rhythm. There haven’t been any bad balls so far and the Indians also look content to just keep things ticking. India are still marginally ahead of the required run rate but they wouldn’t want to go behind the eight-ball.

Update: 7.2 – New Zealand have reviewed an LBW decision. Suryakumar had a massive swipe across the line and didn’t connect as the ball thudded into the back pad. The impact, though, is outside off stump. India breathe a sigh of relief!

Over 6: India 56-1 – Suryakumar starts off nicely

Suryakumar’s strength has been his batting against spin and early evidence indicates that he is feeling good out there. The sweep has already been unfurled and his batting could be key in the middle overs, especially with the ball turning a little.

Suryakumar Yadav is the new batter at the crease. Good to see him batting at what seems to be his preferred position!

Over 5.1: India 50-1 – Santner gets Rahul

Just as we were talking about the Kiwis needing wickets, Santner has delivered. It is a half-tracker and on any other day, Rahul would have smeared it to Jodhpur. Today, though, it is just the sort of respite the Black Caps were crying out for.

Over 5: India 50-0 – Rahul and Rohit tear into Boult

Rahul and Rohit are continuing from where they left off in the T20 World Cup. Both have hardly put a foot wrong so far and it already looks like a long night of work for the Kiwi bowlers. They need wickets and they need them quickly.

Over 3: India 24-0 – Rohit tees off

The pressure had been bubbling and Rohit has released it in a flash. Not only did he amass 15 runs of the over, he did it with the sort of authority that is emblematic of Rohit at his best. New Zealand need to dismiss Rohit if they are to make a match of this!

Over 2: India 9-0 – Not a lot of swing for Boult

Apart from the first ball, none of the deliveries really swung. Boult was perhaps guilty of bowling a tad short but it seems that batting is a little easier in the second innings. How long before Rahul and Rohit tee off?

Over 1: India 7-0 – Decent start for India

Southee swung the ball nicely in the first over but Rahul did relatively well, despite the outside edge, to negate it. Rohit looks a little shaky and the bigger test for both could be when they come face to face with Boult.

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma stride out to the centre. No surprises on this front. Southee has the new ball for the Kiwis!

New Zealand began their innings sedately and were dented in the first over when Bhuvneshwar castled Mitchell. The rest of the Power Play saw the Kiwis attempt a lot of strokes without really being able to increase the tempo. Post the half-way mark, though, they flicked a switch, with Chapman and Guptill laying into the Indian bowlers. In fact, both seemed so dominant that even 180 seemed possible at one point.

However, India found a way to come back into the game at the death. They stuck to their variations and bowled into the track, exploiting the slight two-paced nature of the surface and the variable bounce on offer. In the end, they would be thrilled at having restricted the Kiwis to 164, considering that there is a fair bit of dew at the venue and the pitch has largely been good for batting.

At the break, you feel that the Indians would be the happier bunch. Do join us in a bit for the run-chase!

Over 20: New Zealand 164-6 – Kiwis scramble through to 164

Despite the blow and an inside-edged boundary, Siraj held his nerve well to contain the Kiwi batters. There was a bit of comicalness attached to the brace of byes New Zealand scampered on the final ball. But this has largely been an excellent comeback by the Indian bowlers.

Update: Siraj has been struck on his left hand while bowling. He seems to have split his webbing on first glance, although it remains to be seen how serious it is. He looks in a lot of pain as the physio attends to him. Good enough to continue for now though!

Over 19: New Zealand 157-5 – Tidy from Bhuvneshwar

Bhuvneshwar found out early what would work for him and continued with that ploy throughout. With two left-handers at the crease, it might be a little easier for India to contain them and restrict them to one side of the wicket. Siraj to bowl the final over!

Over 18.2: New Zealand 153-5 – Seifert perishes

Slower deliveries bowled into the track are getting purchase – something that Bhuvneshwar and Chahar have illustrated in the past two overs. With two new batters at the crease, the Kiwi innings risks ending up as a damp squib. Don’t be too surprised if they huff and puff their way just past 160-165.

Over 18: New Zealand 152-4 – Chahar pulls things back

Just as New Zealand were threatening to get away, Chahar pulls things back. He stuck to the slower ball and persisted with it throughout – something that could be followed by the likes of Bhuvneshwar and Siraj in the overs that remain. A lot rests on Seifert now.

Watch: Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowls Daryl Mitchell with unplayable in-swinger in scorching new-ball over

Over 17.2 New Zealand 150-4 – Guptill perishes

Just a ball after being smacked into oblivion, Chahar shows extraordinary courage to bowl a similar sort of delivery and account for Guptill. This could help India restrict the Kiwis, although they would want to be on the money with their execution.

Over 17: New Zealand 144-3 – India leaking runs

The Kiwis have accelerated superbly but India would be worried by the way they have handled the situation. Their fielding has been a little sluggish (Axar dropped Seifert in the 17th over) and their plans have left a lot to be desired. Even 180 could be on the cards now.

Over 15: New Zealand 123-3 – Guptill continues on his merry way

The glut of wickets at the other end haven’t impeded Guptill. He is still looking to increase the tempo and seems to have gauged the pace of the pitch to perfection. At this point, he stands between India and a middling total. Can he power the Kiwis to 170?

Tim Seifert is the new man in. He is the last of the Kiwis’ experienced batters and someone who has an exceptionally good record against India. 280 runs at a strike rate of 155.55 and an average of 46.66 for those wondering!

Over 13.5: New Zealand 110-3 – Ashwin has two in the over

Phillips’ three-ball stay at the crease was quite eventful (not for him obviously). He was beaten on the outside and the inside edge once before being completely flummoxed by a delivery that went straight through and trapped him LBW. India are inching their way back into the contest now!

Over 13.2: New Zealand 110-2 – Ashwin outfoxes Chapman

The last time Ashwin bowled to Chapman, he deceived him in flight a couple of times. On this occasion, it directly leads to Chapman’s downfall with the ball dipping and turning just enough to beat the bat and hit the stumps. Huge wicket for India, considering how well Chapman was batting.

Update: Ashwin back into the attack for the 14th over. New Zealand motoring along at 106-1 after 13 overs.

Over 12: New Zealand 96-1 – Chapman gets in on the act

The Kiwi juggernaut is well and truly underway. India’s bowlers have been put under the pump and so far, they have seemed clueless. The ball is also sliding on nicely now, meaning that India need a wicket very quickly to curb the run-flow. Chapman, by the way, has registered his maiden T20I fifty for New Zealand!

Over 11: New Zealand 81-1 – Guptill signals his intentions

After a subdued start, Guptill now seems intent on opening up his shoulders. Remember, he strikes at more than 140 in the middle overs since 2020 and the brace of boundaries (a six and a four) against Siraj could be the clearest indication yet of him wanting to turn the tables.

Update: Pace returns. Siraj back into the attack!

Over 10: New Zealand 65-1 – Kiwis feeling the pinch

The runs have dried up in the past couple of overs and the batters are starting to feel the pressure. Chapman, in particular, has looked twitchier than usual and it seems that a big shot might not be too far away. Something could be about to give in the next few minutes!

Chapman will play a crucial role in the middle overs. Throughout his career, he has struck at more than 135 against spin. Guptill, meanwhile, strikes at only around 122. India might be better off targeting Guptill with spin. New Zealand are 55-1 after 8 overs!

Update: Spin from both ends. Time for Axar Patel!

Over 7: New Zealand 48-1 – Ashwin can’t finish off his over well

Ashwin kept a lid on the scoring rate for the first five balls of the over but the urge to try something different on the final delivery proved detrimental. He tried to out-think Chapman but with the batter waiting in his crease, he was able to capitalize!

Over 6: New Zealand 41-1 – Chapman breaks the shackles

Chapman has been itching to release the pressure and he finally did it against Chahar. Again, Chahar bowled both sides of the wicket and bowled too short. Nevertheless, this could be a momentum-shifting over for the Kiwis. India need to be careful now!

Over 5: New Zealand 26-1 – Kiwis getting acclimatized to their surroundings

The Kiwis haven’t really gotten away but have found a way to keep themselves afloat. Chapman, in particular, has played a lot of strokes but hasn’t been rewarded adequately. Remember, he hasn’t batted often in the Power Play (9 times to be precise) and that has come to the fore so far tonight!

Update: R Ashwin has been introduced into the attack. Right then. What does this pitch have in store for spin?

Over 4: New Zealand 20-1 – Lively start by Siraj

Siraj couldn’t extract as much swing as Bhuvneshwar but he bowled at a brisk pace. He was more content to bowl back of a length and considering that a few balls stuck in the surface, it could be the way forward for India, especially once the ball stops swinging.

Over 3: New Zealand 15-1 – Bhuvneshwar asking plenty of questions

Had India not done away with the slip, they might well have accounted for Mark Chapman. That aside, it was another tidy over by Bhuvneshwar, who seems to have hit his straps. The Kiwis need to counter attack or else the Indians might be all over them like a rash. Siraj to bowl the 4th over!

Over 2: New Zealand 11-1 – Slightly expensive over by Chahar

Chahar got the ball to swing but unlike Bhuvneshwar, couldn’t get his radar right. Champan has already shown signs of intent and he might be tempted to attack, considering the field restrictions are still in operation.

Over 1: New Zealand 2-1 – Excellent start for Bhuvneshwar

Unlike the game against Pakistan, Bhuvneshwar got the ball to talk in the opening over. It would be interesting to see the kind of problems Chahar poses as well, considering the conditions and the fact that this is his home ground. New Zealand under a bit of early pressure!

Update: Mark Chapman is the new batter for the Kiwis. Remember, no Kane Williamson in this game for the Black Caps!

Over 0.3: New Zealand 1-1 – Bhuvneshwar castles Mitchell

The first two balls of the over swung away, meaning that when Bhuvneshwar got the ball to curve into Mitchell, the latter was all at sea. This is exactly the kind of bowling that has made Bhuvneshwar a household name over the years and this is definitely what India would have wanted from him up front!

Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell will open the batting for the Kiwis. Bhuvneshwar Kumar to start off proceedings with the ball! Here we go!

Update: The teams walk out to the centre for their respective national anthems. The ground is abuzz. Remember, international cricket is returning to Jaipur after quite a while. We are now moments away from the start and the fans can’t wait for the action to begin!

Power Play wickets were a massive concern for India, especially against New Zealand and Pakistan. In fact, they only accounted for one batter (Martin Guptill) in that period. Today, they have the requisite artillery, namely the likes of Bhuvneshwar, Deepak Chahar and Siraj to dent the Kiwis early. Can they make the most of it though?

India haven’t lost a T20I when chasing since December 2020. New Zealand, on the other hand, lost both their games at the T20 World Cup when they batted first. The early signs are that Rohit has won a massive toss at the start of his tenure as permanent T20I captain.

India v New Zealand, 1st T20I Live: Deepak Chahar & Shreyas Iyer return; Ferguson plays for NZ!

India XI: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand XI: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Todd Astle, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee (C), Trent Boult

India v NZ, 1st T20I Toss, Live: India win the toss and elect to bowl first!

Rohit says the chance to have a total in front of them was quite appealing. He also feels dew could play a big role, considering it has come down in the past couple of days. It is perhaps the wiser decision of the two and definitely the safer option. For New Zealand, this is a chance to show that they can bat first in such conditions and then defend a total.

India v New Zealand, 1st T20I live: Preview

Time: 7pm local time

Venue: Jaipur

India take on New Zealand in the first of the three T20Is at Jaipur on Wednesday. Though the Men in Blue had a disappointing T20 World Cup, they gave themselves a slim chance by upping their net run-rate after wins against Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia, A new era begins for the side, with Virat Kohli stepping down as T20I skipper and Rohit Sharma taking on the role. Ravi Shastri has bid farewell as the head coach too, with Rahul Dravid stepping in.

New Zealand, on the other hand, reached the final of the recent ICC event but were beaten by Australia to finish runners-up. They will be without Kane Williamson for the T20I series, while Devon Conway has been ruled out due to injury. Soon after playing the final in Dubai, they arrived in India for the three T20I series. Lockie Ferguson did not play during the T20 World Cup due to injury but could return to action, having made a swift recovery.

India v New Zealand, 1st T20I live: Where to Watch

India: Star Sports Network: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, Star Sports 1 Kannada, Disney+ Hotstar

UK: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event

New Zealand: Sky Sports