India began the five-match T20 International series on a commanding note, defeating New Zealand by 48 runs in the opening match in Nagpur on Wednesday, with Abhishek Sharma producing a breathtaking batting performance.

Abhishek continued his impressive run in the shortest format, smashing 84 off just 35 deliveries to lay the foundation for India’s imposing total of 238 for 7. His innings, marked by fearless strokeplay and clean hitting, once again underlined his growing importance in India’s T20 setup.

Rinku Singh provided the perfect finishing touch, remaining unbeaten on 44 from 20 balls, as India capitalised on a flat Jamtha surface to pile relentless pressure on the visitors. The pair ensured India ended their innings strongly after a few wickets in the middle overs.

India had earlier lost Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan cheaply, but Abhishek’s aggressive approach never allowed New Zealand’s bowlers to settle. His 99-run partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav, which came off just 47 balls, shifted the momentum decisively in India’s favour. Suryakumar contributed 32 off 22 balls, playing a supporting role as Abhishek dominated the scoring.

Abhishek’s innings featured eight towering sixes and five fours, with his bat speed and ability to hit straight down the ground proving too much for New Zealand’s pace attack. The lack of express pace in the bowling line-up allowed the left-hander to exploit scoring areas with ease.

New Zealand showed brief resistance in the chase through Glenn Phillips, who struck 78 off 40 balls, and Mark Chapman, who added 39 off 24 deliveries. Their 79-run stand raised hopes of a late push, but the steep required run rate eventually caught up with them.

India’s bowlers struck at crucial intervals to maintain control. Varun Chakravarthy returned figures of 2 for 37, while Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya provided early breakthroughs that ensured New Zealand never fully recovered from the scoreboard pressure.

New Zealand were eventually restricted to 190 for 7, falling well short of the target as India sealed a comprehensive victory to go 1-0 up in the series.

India posted an imposing 238 for 7 against New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, riding on a blistering knock from Abhishek Sharma and a late surge led by Rinku Singh.

After being asked to bat first, India lost early wickets but quickly regained momentum through Abhishek, who smashed 84 off just 35 balls, striking five fours and eight sixes. The left-hander reached his half-century in only 22 balls, becoming the first batter in international cricket to register eight T20I fifties in 25 balls or fewer.

India were jolted early as Ishan Kishan (8) and Sanju Samson (10) departed inside the powerplay. Abhishek then steadied the innings alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav, with the duo adding 99 runs in 47 balls for the third wicket. Suryakumar contributed a fluent 32 off 22 balls before being dismissed attempting a lofted shot.

Following Abhishek’s dismissal in the 12th over, India continued to score at a healthy rate but lost wickets at regular intervals. Shivam Dube (9) and Axar Patel (5) fell cheaply, while Hardik Pandya played a useful cameo of 25 off 16 balls before being caught in the deep.

At the death, Rinku Singh took charge of the innings, remaining unbeaten on 44 off 20 deliveries, ensuring India crossed the 230-run mark. His late boundaries provided crucial momentum despite New Zealand’s disciplined bowling in the final over.

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy was the most effective bowler, picking up two wickets, while the rest of the attack struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting on a surface offering spongy bounce.

With a run rate close to 12 an over, India have put New Zealand under significant pressure heading into the chase in the series opener.

The International Cricket Council has rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift its T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India, escalating uncertainty over the team’s participation in the tournament. Following a board meeting on Wednesday, the global governing body issued a firm 24-hour deadline to the Bangladesh Cricket Board to confirm whether the team will take part.

According to sources, the ICC made it clear that failure to confirm participation within the stipulated time would result in Bangladesh being removed from the tournament. In such a scenario, Scotland is expected to be drafted in as a replacement based on rankings.

Bangladesh are placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup and are scheduled to play their first three matches in Kolkata on February 7, 9 and 14, before facing their final group-stage fixture in Mumbai on February 17. The refusal to play in India, citing security concerns, triggered the standoff between the two boards.

ICC meeting and reactions

The decision followed an ICC board meeting attended by representatives from all full member nations, including ICC chairman Jay Shah and Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam. Discussions reportedly focused on Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India and possible alternatives, including changes to group allocations.

There was also talk of Bangladesh seeking a move from Group C, where all matches are scheduled in India, to Group B, with fixtures hosted in Sri Lanka. However, such a swap would require rearranging existing group compositions, making it a complex decision for the ICC.

Pakistan backs Bangladesh stance

The Pakistan Cricket Board has backed Bangladesh’s position and conveyed to the ICC that the concerns raised by the BCB are justified. Pakistan also offered to host Bangladesh’s matches if relocating them to Sri Lanka proved difficult.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said the players are keen to participate in the World Cup but are not involved in administrative decisions. He stated that representing the country in a global event remains a priority for the team.

Legal developments in India

Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court declined to entertain a public interest litigation seeking a ban on Bangladesh from international cricket. The court observed that such matters fall within the domain of foreign policy and international relations, which are beyond judicial intervention.

As the deadline approaches, the onus is now on the Bangladesh Cricket Board to take a final call. If no confirmation is received within 24 hours, the ICC is expected to proceed with alternative arrangements.