Bhuvneshwar’s costly comeback, Axar’s expensive spell overshadow India’s win over NZ

Last Updated: 22 Oct 2026, 05:34 pm IST

India beat New Zealand by four wickets in Christchurch, but expensive spells from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Axar Patel exposed concerns in the bowling attack.

Christchurch: India began their five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a four-wicket win on Thursday, but their bowlers struggled despite restricting the hosts to four wickets. Glenn Phillips' explosive unbeaten 82 off 40 balls powered New Zealand to 225/4, exposing India's struggles to contain an aggressive batting line-up.

Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Axar Patel picked up a wicket each, but the Indian attack conceded runs at a high rate throughout the innings. India eventually chased down the 226-run target with two balls remaining to take a 1-0 series lead.

Bhuvneshwar struggles on comeback

Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a difficult return to the international setup, conceding 49 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket.

His economy rate of 12.25 reflected New Zealand's ability to attack him consistently, and the experienced pacer couldn't provide the control India needed.

Axar Patel also had an expensive outing, giving away 51 runs in four overs despite dismissing Finn Allen, who scored 45 off 24 deliveries. The left-arm spinner's economy rate of 12.75 was the highest among India's five bowlers.

Nitish Kumar Reddy conceded 40 runs in four overs without taking a wicket, matching Mayank Yadav's run tally but failing to make a breakthrough.

Arshdeep and Mayank provide some relief

Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav were among India's few positives with the ball, each claiming one wicket. Arshdeep finished with figures of 1/45 from four overs, while Mayank conceded 40 runs in his four-over spell.

Mayank removed Tim Seifert, who made 24 off 17 balls, while Arshdeep dismissed Daryl Mitchell for 28 off 19 deliveries.

Their breakthroughs helped India keep New Zealand from building an even more damaging total, although the hosts kept scoring freely.

Axar's dismissal of Allen provided another important breakthrough, but India struggled to build sustained pressure as Phillips kept finding boundaries.

The New Zealand batter struck eight fours and three sixes, maintained a strike rate of 205, and helped the hosts finish with a formidable score.

India's batting rescues the bowling unit

India's bowlers conceded 225 runs at an overall economy rate of 11.25, leaving the batters with a demanding chase. The attack also conceded six wides and two no-balls, adding to the pressure on the fielding side.

However, India's batting unit responded emphatically. Sanju Samson smashed 67 off 33 balls, while Abhishek Sharma contributed 29 off 12 deliveries. Naman Dhir then played a crucial finishing role, scoring 42 off just 15 balls to help India cross the line at 230/6 in 19.4 overs.

The victory gave India a winning start to the series, but the bowling performance remains an area to address.

Against a New Zealand side capable of scoring at such a rapid pace, India will need tighter lines, better control in the death overs and fewer extras in the matches ahead.