On Friday, January 27, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, Jharkhand, New Zealand easily defeated India by 21 runs in the first Twenty20 International to take a 1-0 series lead. Throughout the game, the Black Caps appeared to be the superior team. The Kiwis appeared unfazed by having lost the toss and being given the opportunity to bat first as they confidently batted, bowled, and fielded the entire game.
Team India, on the other hand, didn't quite look like the one that had just won a comfortable 3-0 ODI series against the same opponents. Although they chose to use the toss as an advantage, their strategy didn't quite succeed against the Kiwis.
The New Zealand hitters were sure to launch an immediate all-out assault. Each batsman, from the openers to the middle order, contributed to their challenging total of 176/6 in their 20 overs.
In reply, Team India could only manage 155/9, giving New Zealand a lead by 1-0.
Brief scores: New Zealand 176/6 in 20 overs (Daryl Mitchell 59*, Devon Conway 52; Washington Sundar 2-22) beat India 155/9 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50, Suryakumar Yadav 47; Mitchell Santner 2-11) by 21 runs.