New Zealand vs India 2020: Batsmen Create World Record; Score Five Fifties In A T20I Match

The opening fixture of  New Zealand vs India 2020 T20I series had its special moments from the word go. From the high-flying sixes to beautiful catches during the passage of play, the fans witnessed everything literally from the edge of their seats. However, the drama ended in favour of the visitors as they beat the hosts by six wickets to take the first lead in the five-match T20I series.

Virat Kohli-led team might not have been at their best with the ball but they delivered the much-needed amends with the bat when they successfully chased down the mammoth target of 204 set up by Kane Williamson and Co. at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday.

After losing Rohit Sharma early on in the game, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli added a 99-run partnership for the second wicket before the skipper got out for 45.

However, Rahul and Shreyas Iyer slammed half-centuries each to chase down the target with six balls to spare.

Five fifties in a single T20I match:

It is worth mentioning here that for the first time in the history of T20I, as many as five batsmen from both sides combined to score five half-centuries in a single T20I match. India and New Zealand batsmen combined to script a world record at Auckland’s Eden Park.

Colin Munro (59), Kane Williamson (51) and Ross Taylor (54*) scored half-centuries for the Black Caps, while KL Rahul (56) and Shreyas Iyer (58*) chipped in with half-centuries for the Men in Blue. Later, Iyer was named the Man of the Match for his fantastic performance.

It is a matter of the fact that the character of the pitches in New Zealand has become more batting-friendly over the years. It was also expected to be a high-scoring encounter due to shorter dimensions.

However, batsmen from both teams made use of the conditions to better effect and produced a spectacular run-fest.

Though batsmen hogged the limelight, bowlers from both teams struggled to keep their respective opposition batsmen in check. There is still plenty of drama left in the shorter format as the second match is scheduled to be played at the same venue on January 26 (Sunday).

Read More: New Zealand Vs India 2020: 1st T20I, Auckland – Stats Review