NZ demolish India, Shastri's masterplan for Kohli in World Cup and more - Cricket News Today, 6th February 2019

Tim Seifert and ruthless bowlers help NZ crush India in 1st T20I

Tim Seifert's sizzling 84 from 43 balls propelled New Zealand to a formidable total

Fresh off a dominant 4-1 victory in the ODI series, India flattered to deceive during the first T20I against New Zealand at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. The Blackcaps came up with a complete performance to crush the Men in Blue by 80 runs.

Upon winning the toss and opting to chase, India began on a horrific note with the ball as the opening duo of Tim Seifert and Colin Munro added 86 runs from 8.2 overs. Following the latter's dismissal, the wicket-keeper batsman went on to smash 84 off just 43 balls to propel New Zealand to a daunting total of 219.

India's run-chase started in a woeful manner as Rohit Sharma fell in the third over. Despite promising starts from Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Shankar, the visitors ran out of steam and eventually crawled to 139 all out in 19.2 overs. MS Dhoni's 31-ball 39 was the top-score for the Men in Blue.

In terms of runs, the 80-run defeat is the worst ever loss in India's T20I history. The second T20I is slated to take place on Friday at Auckland.