New Zealand beat India by 80 runs in first T20 match
Wellington, Feb 6 (IBNS): Indian team started their T20 campaign in New Zealand with a shock 80 runs defeat in the hands of the hosts here on Wednesday.
After New Zealand posted massive 219 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs, the hosts bowled out Rohit Sharma and his men for 139 runs.
MS Dhoni, who was the key player for India in the Australia tour, remained the top scorer for the home side with his 39 runs knock.
He added five boundaries and a six in his innings but failed to get any other contributing partner at the other end of the crease.
The New Zealand bowlers completely dominated the proceedings and experienced Southee took three wickets for the home team.
Shankar (27) and Shikhar Dhawan (29) were the other two major contributors for India but remaining batsmen failed miserably.
Boasting on a 84-run innings of Tim Seifert, New Zealand piled a huge total of 219/6 in 20 overs against India in the first T20I match at Westpac Stadium here on Wednesday.
Seifert, who hit seven fours and six sixes, took 43 balls to score 84.
Colin Munro and skipper Kane Williamson scored 34 each while Scott Kuggelejin contributed crucial unbeaten 20 off seven balls towards the end of the innings.
On a day when the Indian bowlers went for plenty of runs, all-rounder Hardik Pandya picked two wickets for 51 in four overs.
India earlier won the ODI series against the same team.
New Zealand took 1-0 lead in the series.
Image credit: BCCI Twitter
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