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.

Bangladesh has responded firmly to reports of an International Cricket Council (ICC) ultimatum over its participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, with the country’s Youth and Sports adviser Asif Nazrul alleging that “unreasonable and unrealistic pressure” is being applied.

Speaking on the eve of the reported January 21 deadline, Nazrul clarified that Bangladesh has not received any formal communication from the ICC regarding possible exclusion from the tournament. He also dismissed speculation that Scotland could replace Bangladesh if the team refuses to travel to India.

Nazrul said Bangladesh’s position remains unchanged, stressing that the team cannot be forced to play in India under pressure. He pointed out that similar situations in the past had led to venue changes when teams declined to travel due to concerns.

“We can’t be forced to play in India with unreasonable and unrealistic pressure. We haven’t heard formally that we will be excluded and replaced by Scotland. If the ICC puts undue pressure on us, we will not accept it,” Nazrul said during a press conference on Tuesday.

Bangladesh cites precedent for venue change

The adviser referred to previous instances where teams declined to travel to certain countries, following which the ICC altered venues. According to him, Bangladesh has asked for a venue change based on what it considers logical reasons and expects the ICC to treat the matter fairly.

Nazrul added that if the ICC yields to pressure from any cricket board and insists on Bangladesh playing in India, the country will stand by its decision.

Several rounds of discussions have reportedly taken place between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board since the issue surfaced. Reports suggest that the ICC has asked the BCB to convey its final decision by January 21 on whether the team will travel to India for the tournament.

World Cup schedule amid uncertainty

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7. Bangladesh are slated to open their campaign on the same day against two-time champions West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Their group-stage fixtures also include matches against Italy, England and Nepal, all scheduled to be played in Kolkata, with the final group match set for February 17.

With the deadline approaching, uncertainty continues over Bangladesh’s participation, as both sides await a final call on the venue issue.