India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I: As it happened

Image Credits: Twitter/@BCCI

Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul smashed half-centuries as India beat New Zealand by six wickets in the opening T20I of the five-match series at Eden Gardens in Auckland on Friday. 

For India, the five T20Is against the Black Caps came just a few days after the Men in Blue clinched a 2-1 ODI series win over the Aaron Finch-led team at home turf. India lost the first match by 10 wickets before they rebounded strongly to win the next two clashes by 36 runs and seven wickets, respectively. 

Heading into the series, preparation for the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup will be on top of the agenda for the Men in Blue. (Also Read: India vs New Zealand T20I preview, Auckland weather and Eden Park pitch report)

India will be without the services of their star opener Shikhar Dhawan due to a shoulder injury which he sustained during the Australia series. Sanju Samson was called up as Dhawan's replacement for New Zealand series. 

New Zealand, meanwhile, are coming into the serious on the back of the three-match Test series defeat at the hands of Australia. The Kane Williamson-led side will look to bounce back strongly and clinch the series against India. 

Here are the live updates:

24 January 2020

20:04 IST

Rhys Mariu and Ollie White have walked down the crease to begin New Zealand's chase. Kartik Tyagi to open the attack for India U19. 

15:52 IST

India beat New Zealand by 6 wickets!