India registered their biggest ever T20I win by 168 runs against New Zealand on Wednesday thanks to a magnificent maiden century by rising star Shubman Gill. This was the final match of the 3-game T20I series which India already led 2-0. Batting first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India posted a mammoth 234/4 in their 20 overs powered by Gill’s sizzling 126* off just 63 balls. In reply, the Kiwi batting crumbled under the scoreboard pressure and they could manage only 66/10 in 12.1 overs, losing the match and series 0-3. In this post we talk about Shubman Gills 1St T20 Century Leads India To A Record Victory Against New Zealand.
Gill’s Century Lights Up Motera
The day belonged to the 23-year-old Shubman Gill who announced himself on the T20I stage with a scintillating ton. Having already shown his class in Tests and ODIs, this was Gill’s best effort in T20 cricket. He took the New Zealand bowlers to the cleaners, scoring 126* off just 63 balls with 12 fours and 7 sixes.
Gill added 80 runs for the 3rd wicket with Rahul Tripathi who himself struck a 44-ball 44. But Gill overshadowed him completely once he found his groove. The last 5 overs saw Gill switch gears seamlessly as he powered India to 234/4 – their 3rd highest T20I total. This was Gill’s maiden T20 century and the highest score by an Indian batter against New Zealand.
Kiwi Batting Caves Under Pressure
Chasing a mammoth 235, New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Devon Conway started solidly with a 36-run stand. But once Conway fell to Kuldeep Yadav, it triggered a full blown collapse. The spinners Kuldeep (4/16) and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/4) ran through New Zealand’s batting taking 6 wickets between them. Only skipper Mitchell Santner (13) and Michael Bracewell (8) managed double figures as the team folded up for a pathetic 66 in just 12.1 overs.
India’s previous biggest win was by 143 runs but this 168 run thrashing was historic. It underscored the gulf between the two teams, especially with second-string Indian sides. Gill’s coming of age augurs really well for Indian cricket as they continue to unearth young talent.
Gill’s Words Post Match
Speaking after the match, the Player of the Match Shubman Gill said: “It feels great to get my first T20 hundred for India. The wicket was good for batting and I was just looking to make the most of the opportunity. Very happy that I could score big and it resulted in the team getting such a comprehensive win.”
“For me, it’s about maximising the first 6 overs when the field is up. Once you get your eye in, you can take down any bowler. This innings will give me a lot of confidence going forward.”
Kuldeep Back to His Best
Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav ran through New Zealand picking 4/16 in his 4 overs. He got the key wickets of Conway, Chapman and Phillips to derail New Zealand’s chase. This was Kuldeep’s best bowling performance since his comeback and highlighted why he should be a regular feature in India’s T20I plans going forward.
The T20I series win against Sri Lanka and New Zealand caps off a highly successful limited overs season for Team India. They seem to be building a formidable squad with new match-winners emerging like Shubman Gill ahead of the World Cup next year.
Kiwis Lose Momentum Before WTC Final
For New Zealand, this series loss is a reality check ahead of the World Test Championship final against Australia. Their batting looked fragile against spin while Indian rookies outplayed them across departments. Captain Santner will need to focus on regrouping quickly as the squad travels to England for the all-important WTC final starting June 7th.
Overall, Shubman Gill’s maiden century made this T20I a historic one for India. With their biggest ever win over New Zealand, India sent out an ominous warning to all teams ahead of the T20 World Cup. The emergence of Gill as a batting star across formats is a huge positive as India eye more global titles in the coming years. I hope this Shubman Gills 1St T20 Century Leads India To A Record Victory Against New Zealand post helps you.
