New Zealand vs India 2019: 3 takeaways from the 1st T20I

2. A target too steep for the visitors

The Kiwis celebrating a key dismissal

New Zealand literally put a grapple-hold around India which proved too difficult to break.

The highest target chased by the visitors in T20Is is 207. That came a decade ago against Sri Lanka in Mohali. The only time that a team has chased a target more than 175 successfully against the Kiwis was during the 2018 Trans-Tasman T20I tri-series in Auckland when the Aussies scored 245. Moreover, the highest T20I total by New Zealand against India came in this match.

This clearly shows that the Kiwis did their homework well and executed their plans to perfection.

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3. A chance for New Zealand to make things even

The New Zealand team celebrates its victory

If you are a New Zealand fan reading this, you have reason to feel happy. The Kiwis now have the chance to make things right after a dismal ODI series. If they win all the ensuing matches, then the whole series would get even at 4-4.

Do bear in mind though that the Indian T20 team which is without the regular skipper Virat Kohli should not be discounted. They won the Nidahas Trophy in 2018 without Kohli, so there's no reason why they can't repeat the feat.

Defeating Rohit Sharma's team thrice in a row will not be easy, and the hosts have their task cut out despite their excellent start to the series.

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Do you think the Kiwi dominance will continue? Comment your opinions on the match below.