22 January,2026 04:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Arshdeep Singh (Pic: File Pic)
In the first T20I match against New Zealand, Team India emerged victorious by 48 runs at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
After the victory, Team India's pacer Arshdeep Singh said that he tries to enjoy the game.
"I try to be ready all the time. Whenever the team gives me a chance, I try to be ready and give my best. Few things are not in my hands, and I try to enjoy every game," he said.
He also revealed that the same bowlers will line up for the "Men in Blue" in the global showpiece.
"The team has already been announced. This is the bowling attack for the World Cup," said the pacer.
During the match, opening batsman Abhishek Sharma delivered a blistering knock. Facing just 35 deliveries, he smashed 84 runs, with the help of five boundaries and eight maximums.
Speaking about his teammate, the pacer said that he is hopeful that the left-handed batsman continues to play well in the remainder of the shortest format series against the "Black Caps".
"Abhishek has been dominating, it's great to watch, and I hope he continues to play well in the remaining of the four T20I matches against New Zealand," said Arshdeep.
Later, while chasing a massive target of 239 runs, a fighting half-century by Glenn Phillips went in vain as New Zealand suffered a 48-run defeat against Team India in the high-scoring match.
Axar Patel took the massive wicket of Phillips during the third ball of the 14th over. The right-handed batter played a fantastic knock of 78 runs off 40 deliveries, including four boundaries and six towering sixes.
Daryl Mitchell (28 off 18 balls, including four boundaries) and Mitchell Santner (20' off 13 balls with two fours) tried hard, but New Zealand made 190/7 runs in 20 overs and lost the high-scoring contest by 48 runs.
With the ball, Arshdeep Singh (1/31), Hardik Pandya (1/20), Axar Patel (1/42), Varun Chakaravarthy (2/37), and Shivam Dube (2/28) were among the wicket-takers for India. With this win, the Men in Blue took a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
(With ANI Inputs)