Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised India’s aggressive opening partnership after the team chased down New Zealand’s target of 226 runs in the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22. Ashwin highlighted how Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma put the hosts under pressure early, laying the foundation for India’s memorable four-wicket victory. Ashwin was particularly impressed with Samson’s batting approach.

The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 67 runs off just 33 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries and four sixes. He reached his half-century in only 23 balls, setting the tone for India’s record-breaking chase. Speaking on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat, Ashwin praised Samson’s timing and shot selection, noting that he relied on placement rather than brute force.

“Sanju batted very smartly. The pull shot that he played was in front of square. He did not look to muscle the ball, which he does often. He depended more on timing and played some classy shots. It was just exceptional. Sanju and Abhishek put the New Zealand fast bowlers under so much pressure that they could just not come back from there. Shreyas Iyer batted very calmly, and he was composed. But the reason for that was the start they got in the powerplay,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.

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Samson and Abhishek combined for a 93-run opening partnership off just 35 deliveries. Their attacking approach during the powerplay prevented New Zealand’s fast bowlers from settling into a rhythm and gave the Indian middle order a strong platform to finish the chase.

Abhishek also played an important role in the early onslaught, helping India maintain an aggressive scoring rate against the New Zealand attack. The opening stand proved crucial in a high-scoring contest where the visitors needed to keep pace with the required run rate.

Following the explosive start, Shreyas Iyer contributed 42 runs off 28 balls, including one four and two sixes. His composed innings ensured India retained momentum as New Zealand searched for breakthroughs.

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Naman Dhir then delivered a decisive finishing performance, remaining unbeaten on 42 off just 15 deliveries. He struck five fours and two sixes, helping India reach 229/6 in 19.4 overs and complete the chase with two balls to spare. The four-wicket win gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Ashwin’s assessment underlined the importance of the opening partnership, which allowed India’s middle order to build on the early momentum and finish the match successfully.