India went 1-0 up in the series after defeating New Zealand by 48 runs in the opening match in Nagpur.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced concern over the fitness of star all-rounder Axar Patel ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Axar sustained a finger injury while trying to stop a shot from Daryl Mitchell off his own bowling during the first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur. Clearly in discomfort after the impact, Axar walked off the field for treatment, with Abhishek Sharma completing the remainder of his over.
Reacting to the incident, Harbhajan said he hopes the injury is not serious and that Axar returns to full fitness soon. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan stressed Axar’s importance to the team and expressed hope that the injury does not rule him out of the World Cup, calling him a vital asset for India.
Harbhajan also expressed strong confidence in India’s chances in the five-match series, praising the team’s aggressive approach. He highlighted India’s massive total of 238 for 7, describing it as an example of the team’s fearless brand of cricket. According to him, New Zealand were effectively out of the contest after the explosive innings from Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh, despite putting up a fight.
India took a 1-0 lead in the series with a convincing 48-run win in the Nagpur opener. Abhishek Sharma starred with a stunning 35-ball 84, which included eight sixes and five fours, powering India to a daunting total. In response, New Zealand managed 190 for 7, with Glenn Phillips’ 40-ball 78 proving insufficient to bridge the gap.
