Samson stars as India mark record T20 chase

India achieved their highest-ever T20 run chase, securing a four-wicket victory against New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday, marking a rematch of the T20 World Cup final. Opening batsman Sanju Samson was instrumental, scoring 67 runs from just 33 balls, as India successfully chased down New Zealand's formidable total of 226 with two balls to spare. Samson and Abhishek Sharma's explosive opening partnership of 93 runs in the powerplay set the tone, though New Zealand's spinners, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, managed to slow India's momentum by taking four wickets. Captain Shreyas Iyer (42 off 28 balls) maintained stability, and Naman Dhir (42 off 15 balls) finished the chase. India now leads the five-match series 1-0, with the next match also in Christchurch.