[WATCH]- Axar Patel Breaks 79-Run Stand By Dismissing Glenn Phillips In 1st T20I vs New Zealand

India vice-captain Axar Patel broke a crucial 79-run partnership by dismissing Glenn Phillips in the first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur on Wednesday, January 21. The left-arm spinner struck at a vital moment as the Kiwis were making progress in their chase, sending Phillips back for 78 off 40 balls, which included six sixes and four fours.

The key wicket came in the 14th over of New Zealand’s innings. Axar bowled a well-pitched delivery targeting the stumps, and Phillips attempted a pull shot but failed to connect properly. Shivam Dube completed a superb catch near the long-on boundary, falling onto his right knee but managing to hold onto the ball.

You can watch the video here:

https://www.bcci.tv/bccilink/videos/orGofYuA

Glenn Phillips continued his strong form in the T20I following his century in the ODI series decider against India, while Axar Patel claimed his first wicket of the match.

India Post Challenging Total In T20I Opener As Glenn Phillips Falls At Key Moment

Team India posted a formidable total of 238/7 against New Zealand in the first T20I. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a brisk 84 off 35 balls, including eight sixes and five fours. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya contributed 32 (22) and 25 (16), respectively, while Rinku Singh added a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 44 from 20 balls, featuring three sixes and four boundaries.

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson claimed two wickets each. The Kiwis, in reply, were 151/5 after 15.3 overs, with skipper Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell at the crease, as the top order struggled. Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman offered some resistance, with Chapman scoring 39 off 24 deliveries.

Varun Chakaravarthy was India’s standout bowler, finishing with figures of 2/37. India remain unbeaten in T20I series since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and had defeated South Africa 3-1 in their last home series in December 2025. New Zealand, meanwhile, had beaten the West Indies 3-1 in their previous T20I series.

A victory in this match would give India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The second T20I will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur on Friday, January 23.

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