1st Twenty20 International from the India Tour of New Zealand, played at Christchurch on 25th Feb,

1st Twenty20 International from the India Tour of New Zealand, played at Christchurch on 25th Feb, 2009 where McCullum fifty steers NZ to victory. Brief Score : New Zealand 166 for 3 (McCullum 56*, Guptill 41) beat India 162 for 8 (Raina 61*, Butler 2-29) by seven wickets.



New Zealand and India adopted different approaches to their innings and in the end it was the host's more measured and sensible method that prevailed over the visitors' manic thrash. India's innings fell away after a blazing start - Virender Sehwag hit his first three balls for sixes - and they needed Suresh Raina's half-century to lift them from 101 for 7. New Zealand, on the other hand, were guided by opener Brendon McCullum, who batted through the innings while his team-mates forced the pace. McCullum took charge during the final overs, reached his half-century and ensured New Zealand won with seven balls to spare.