Abhishek, Rinku Power India to Commanding Win in T20I Opener

22 Jan, 2026 9:46 AM, Thu

Abhishek, Rinku Power India to Commanding Win in T20I Opener

Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh's explosive batting propelled India to a commanding 48-run win over New Zealand in the T20I opener. The pair's fireworks set India up for a big total, and they went on to secure a convincing victory. India's strong performance marked a stylish start to the series. India's ultra-aggressive approach paid off as they posted a massive 238/7 against New Zealand. Abhishek Sharma led the charge, smashing 84 off 35 balls with 5 fours and 8 sixes, while Rinku Singh's unbeaten 44 off 20 balls ensured a dew-proof total. India's top five batters got off to a flying start, with each opening their accounts with a boundary. New Zealand's chase got off to a rocky start, losing their first two wickets with just 1 run on the board. However, Glenn Phillips' explosive 78 off 40 balls, including 4 fours and 6 sixes, kept their hopes alive. Despite his efforts, India secured a 48-run win after Phillips was dismissed. The powerplay was wild! Abhishek Sharma kicked things off with a massive six off Jacob Duffy, and Sanju Samson followed up with a pulled four off Kyle Jamieson. The pace was frenetic, with both teams trading blows. Samson's aggressive approach ended with a wicker, but the damage was done - India's momentum was building. Ishan Kishan's comeback was short-lived, falling for 4 in the third over. But Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav stepped up, taking India to 68 for 2 in the powerplay. Abhishek smashed 4 sixes, while Suryakumar added 2 overs and a six. India's attack continued.

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Team Rankings

Rank Team Rating Points
1 India 122 5117
2 Australia 116 3936
3 South Africa 112 3357
4 Pakistan 106 2762
5 New Zealand 101 3349
Rank Player Name Points
1 Babar Azam 824
2 Shubman Gill 801
3 V. Kohli 768
4 H.T. Tector 746
5 R.G. Sharma 746
Rank Player Name Points
1 K.A. Maharaj 716
2 J.R. Hazlewood 688
3 A. Zampa 686
4 Mohammed Siraj 678
5 J.J. Bumrah 665
Rank Player Name Points
1 Mohammad Nabi 320
2 Shakib Al Hasan 292
3 Sikandar Raza 288
4 A. Vala 248
5 Rashid Khan 239
Rank Team Rating Points
1 Australia 124 3715
2 India 120 3108
3 England 105 3151
4 South Africa 103 1845
5 New Zealand 96 2121
Rank Player Name Points
1 K.S. Williamson 859
2 J.E. Root 824
3 D.J. Mitchell 768
4 Babar Azam 768
5 S.P.D. Smith 757
Rank Player Name Points
1 R. Ashwin 870
2 J.J. Bumrah 847
3 J.R. Hazlewood 847
4 K. Rabada 834
5 P.J. Cummins 820
Rank Player Name Points
1 R.A. Jadeja 444
2 R. Ashwin 322
3 Shakib Al Hasan 310
4 J.E. Root 282
5 J.O. Holder 270
Rank Team Rating Points
1 India 266 14108
2 Australia 256 10241
3 England 254 9660
4 West Indies 252 11604
5 South Africa 251 8287
Rank Player Name Points
1 T.M. Head 844
2 S.A. Yadav 842
3 P.D. Salt 816
4 Babar Azam 755
5 Mohammad Rizwan 746
Rank Player Name Points
1 A.U. Rashid 719
2 Rashid Khan 681
3 P.W.H. De Silva 674
4 J.R. Hazlewood 662
5 A.J. Hosein 659
Rank Player Name Points
1 P.W.H. De Silva 222
2 Mohammad Nabi 214
3 H.H. Pandya 213
4 M.P. Stoinis 211
5 Sikandar Raza 210
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