The India National Cricket Team suffered the double early blow in the fifth and final T20I against the New Zealand National Cricket Team as the opening batters Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma failed to make an impact at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday (October 1).

New Zealand’s fast bowler Adam Milne put India under pressure early by dismissing both opening batters in Hamilton. The disappointing performances raised questions about India's batting combination, especially with young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi warming the bench.

Adam Milne destroys Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson

New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne gave his team the perfect start by removing Abhishek Sharma on the very first ball of his spell. Abhishek tried to play an attacking lofted shot against Milne. He moved slightly away from the ball to create space but failed to hit it properly.

The ball struck the bottom part of his bat and went high into the air. Daryl Mitchell, who was fielding at mid-on, moved backwards, positioned himself under the ball, and took a stunning catch at mid-on.

It was a massive blow to India as Abhishek managed just one run from two balls in the ongoing fifth and final T20I against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Earlier, "My job is not to make everyone happy": Gautam Gambhir's blunt message on team selection.

🔥 पहली ही गेंद पर Abhishek Sharma आउट! 🏏 आज Abhishek को आराम देकर Vaibhav Sooryavanshi को मौका मिलना चाहिए था!🇮🇳 🏏 #INDvNZ #INDvsNZ https://t.co/xGTjx5zSUO

— Deepak Meena (@Iamdeep0408) November 1, 2026

Michael Bracewell takes stunning catch to dismiss Sanju Samson

Adam Milne then struck again by dismissing Sanju Samson for just four runs in Hamilton. The right-handed batter tried to flick Milne's full delivery outside the leg stump towards the leg side, but the ball got a thick leading edge and went high into the air towards the extra-cover region.

Michael Bracewell, who was fielding at extra cover, moved backwards and took an excellent catch while falling to the ground. Samson was dismissed for just four runs off 10 balls.

fir ek baar sanju samson huye out 4 run banakar, 2160p50fps! #NZvsIND https://t.co/660Y965QI8

— 𝙋𝙍𝙀𝙈𝙄𝙐𝙈 𝘾𝙇𝙄𝙋𝙎 (@CricXDrive) November 1, 2026

more to follow...