New Zealand opener Tim Seifert’s 43-ball 84 set up an 80-run win over India (who were playing without Virat Kohli) in Wellington on Wednesday.
The defeat was the worst ever in T20I cricket by India, with New Zealand scoring an impressive 219-6 off their 20 overs. Durban-born Colin Munro (34 off 20 balls) and Kane Williamson (34 off 22 balls) partnered Player of the Match Seifert in building New Zealand’s impressive total.
MS Dhoni top-scored with 39 off 31 balls, as India – without the power of captain and inspiration Virat Kohli to offer a stabilising hand – crashed out for 139 off 19.2 overs.
Tim Southee was superb with the ball, picking up 3-17 off his four overs (econ 4.25), with Lockie Ferguson (2-22), Mitchell Santner (2-24) and Ish Sodhi (2-26) all weighing in with wickets.
The second match in the series is a night match in Auckland on Friday, with the series decider (unless New Zealand secures the series win in Auckland) set for Hamilton on 10 February, also a night match.
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
