Samson reveals simple approach behind India’s 226 chase to beat New Zealand in 1st T20I

Sanju Samson said a straightforward approach helped India chase 226 to beat New Zealand in the first T20I on October 22, 2026, revealing the method after the match.

New Zealand posted 225 in the opening game, setting India a target of 226, which India reached with two balls to spare to win by four wickets; the chase was recorded as India’s highest successful run chase in T20I cricket.

Samson led the reply with 67 off 33 balls, including eight fours and four sixes, while Abhishek Sharma struck 29 off 12 as the pair put on a 93-run opening stand that gave India an aggressive start in the powerplay; Samson was awarded Player of the Match.

After the openers were dismissed, Shreyas Iyer contributed 42 and Naman Dhir remained unbeaten on 42, their innings helping India close out the chase.

“We do have a lot of conversations happening in the middle, but nothing makes sense actually. We just watch the ball and hit hard. It has been working very well for us and I like batting with him at the top,” Samson said at the post-match presentation ceremony after winning the Player of the Match award.

“The ball was swinging around a lot, I think in the second half, a bit too much actually. But off the surface it was coming on very nicely. So I think me and Abhi just felt like keeping the shape and having a very positive intent in the powerplay,” he said.

“Once we got off to a flying start, we felt the match could be finished in the first half as well. Six overs, 90-odd runs – that was a great start today. So I think we just wanted to go all out,” Samson added.

He was pleased with the team result and said it was a collective effort: “It feels really good. I think, yes, we are just in the moment where the match has been won. Whatever contribution you make, I think it feels good to end up on the winning side,” he said, and India started the five-match series with a win.