Ravichandran Ashwin praised India's opening partnership after the team successfully chased down New Zealand's 226-run target in the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday, October 22. The former India off-spinner highlighted the aggressive start that set the platform for India's pursuit, with the opening duo playing a crucial role in the chase.
Ashwin was particularly impressed by Sanju Samson's batting display. The wicketkeeper-batter struck 67 runs off just 33 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes during his explosive innings. Samson brought up a half-century in just 23 balls, demonstrating the intensity he brought to the crease from the outset.
Ashwin noted that Samson's approach in this innings relied heavily on timing and placement rather than raw power. The off-spinner observed that the wicketkeeper-batter played a controlled pull shot in front of square, avoiding the muscle-driven shots that characterise his typical batting style.
"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," Ashwin said on 'Ash ki Baat'.
What was the impact of the opening partnership on India's chase?
Samson and Abhishek Sharma stitched together a 93-run partnership in just 35 deliveries, establishing a dominant opening stand that put New Zealand's bowlers under sustained pressure. The pair's aggressive approach during the powerplay overs proved decisive in India's chase, as the fast bowlers could not recover from the early onslaught.
Shreyas Iyer contributed 42 runs off 28 balls with one four and two sixes, maintaining the momentum established by the opening pair. Naman Dhir finished the chase with an unbeaten 42 off just 15 balls, striking five fours and two sixes to seal India's victory with two balls and four wickets remaining. India successfully completed the 226-run chase, securing a four-wicket win in the opening T20I of the series.
