Wellington, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Daryl Mitchell’s career-best T20I knock of 89 not out off 52 balls helped New Zealand post 198/3 against India in the first innings of the first T20I at Hnry Stadium on Tuesday, leaving the hosts satisfied with what they considered a competitive total.
Mitchell played a key role alongside Finn Allen and Bevon Jacobs, delivering a timely performance in a must-win clash for New Zealand as they looked to keep the series alive. The batter had not scored a T20I half-century since December 2024 before producing his career-best effort against India.
Speaking after the innings, Mitchell said the team was pleased to finish with a total close to the 200-run mark. He also praised Jacobs for his late contribution with the bat.
“We’re obviously really, really happy to get to a decent score, close to that 200 mark. And nice, I guess, to watch BJ (Jacobs) smack a few sixes as well. Partnerships were built throughout and nice to get a total,” Mitchell told broadcasters.
Mitchell noted that the extra bounce during the powerplay made batting challenging, but Allen’s positive approach helped New Zealand maintain momentum. The hosts reached 58/1 in the first six overs.
“I think the powerplay was quite tricky with the extra bounce. I thought the way Finn sort of kept trying to take it to them and made them go a bit defensive with their bowling, which helped,” he said.
The New Zealand batter also acknowledged India’s disciplined bowling towards the end of the innings, particularly the execution of yorkers in the death overs, which restricted the hosts from pushing their total further.
“And I thought they bowled really good in the death overs, some great yorkers at the end. I would say that’s about par and if we bowl well early, we’ll be in with a chance,” Mitchell added.
With New Zealand finishing on 198/3, Mitchell said the team would need an effective start with the ball to defend the target and put pressure on India.
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