Rinku Singh lit up the 1st T20I between India and New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, playing a vital unbeaten 44 off 20 balls to help India post a massive 238 for 7, setting the tone for a 48-run victory in the opening match of the five-game series. Singh’s late-innings assault, marked by powerful striking and smart shot selection, showcased his value as a clutch finisher in T20 cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
India power to big total
India’s innings was anchored by a brilliant 84 from Abhishek Sharma off 35 balls, whose fierce hitting laid a strong foundation in the powerplay and middle overs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 22) and Hardik Pandya (25 off 16) also contributed important cameos before Singh finished the innings in emphatic fashion. Together, these performances helped India reach one of their highest T20I totals against New Zealand.
Rinku’s fiery finishing
Coming in during the late overs, Singh immediately took the attack to the bowling, stroking three sixes and four fours in his quickfire unbeaten knock. His powerful blows off key bowlers, including two towering sixes off Daryl Mitchell in the final over, ensured India maintained momentum right through the 20th over. His fearless approach under pressure highlighted his evolution into a reliable finisher in the shortest format.
Fielding brilliance adds value
Aside from his batting heroics, Rinku was also active in the field. He had a fielding moment that drew attention, a sharp attempt at a boundary catch that, although not held, demonstrated his alertness and athleticism on the field, adding to his all-round contribution to India’s performance. Despite him dropping a catch, he was incredible on the outfield saving a few runs with his efforts & taking 1 catch.
Match result and context
Chasing 239, New Zealand fought back through a strong knock from Glenn Phillips, who scored 78 off 40 balls, but regular Indian bowling strikes kept the Kiwis well behind the required rate. They finished on 190 for 7, handing India a convincing 48-run victory and an early lead in the T20I series.
Raising the bar ahead of World Cup
Rinku Singh’s composed yet explosive 44 not out reinforced his reputation as a dangerous lower-order striker capable of changing games in a few overs. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, his performance will boost India’s confidence in depth and finishing strength.
