The opening T20I between New Zealand and India at Hagley Oval in Christchurch produced plenty of fireworks, with the hosts delivering a commanding batting performance to post 225/4 in 20 overs. However, amid the boundaries and big hits, a humorous moment involving Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy caught the attention of cricket fans.
Reddy briefly celebrated after completing a catch near the boundary, only to realise that the delivery was a free hit and the batter could not be dismissed in that manner. The amusing incident added an unexpected twist to an otherwise challenging outing for India’s bowling attack as New Zealand dominated proceedings with the bat.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s catch celebration turns into a funny moment
The incident occurred during the 16th over of New Zealand’s innings, with experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar operating against Bevon Jacobs.
On the fourth delivery of the over, Jacobs attempted to clear the boundary but ended up hitting the ball towards long-on, where Reddy positioned himself to complete the catch. Reddy held on to the ball and initially celebrated, seemingly believing that India had secured another important breakthrough.
However, the previous delivery had been declared a no-ball, making the subsequent delivery a free hit. Under cricket’s playing conditions, a batter cannot be dismissed through a conventional caught dismissal off a free hit. Reddy quickly realised the situation and stopped celebrating before returning the ball to the field of play. The sequence created a light-hearted moment during a difficult phase for India, with the video capturing the all-rounder’s brief confusion.
Although the catch did not result in a wicket, the incident became one of the talking points from New Zealand’s explosive innings.
Here’s the video:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3rd over and getting hit hard
Embarassment movement for the Nitish Kumar Reddy pic.twitter.com/Fha6ZqKlj1— BackToLobby (@_backtolobby) October 22, 2026
Glenn Phillips powers New Zealand to a massive total
New Zealand’s batting performance was headlined by Glenn Phillips, who produced a sensational unbeaten 82 off just 40 deliveries. The right-handed batter accelerated brilliantly during the second half of the innings, consistently finding the boundary and putting India’s bowlers under enormous pressure.
Phillips showcased his power and innovative strokeplay throughout his knock, finishing the innings in spectacular fashion. His aggressive approach helped New Zealand cross the 220-run mark and establish a formidable total. Finn Allen also contributed significantly at the top of the order, smashing 45 off 24 balls. Alongside Tim Seifert, Allen ensured that the hosts made an aggressive start during the powerplay.
Contributions from the middle order further strengthened New Zealand’s position, allowing the team to maintain an impressive scoring rate throughout the innings. The final total of 225/4 marked New Zealand’s highest-ever T20I score against India, underlining the extent of their batting dominance.
Also WATCH: NZ vs IND – Bhuvneshwar Kumar takes a sharp catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell in 1st T20I
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and India’s bowlers struggle
It proved to be a difficult outing for India’s bowling unit, which struggled to contain the hosts on a favourable batting surface. Bhuvneshwar finished with figures of 0/49 in four overs, while Reddy conceded 40 runs without taking a wicket. The experienced seamer also went wicketless despite leading the attack.
Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Axar Patel claimed one wicket apiece, but India managed only four breakthroughs during the innings. With 226 runs required for victory, India faced a demanding chase. New Zealand’s explosive batting display had set up a challenging contest, while Reddy’s free-hit celebration provided a memorable off-field talking point from a demanding evening for the visitors.
Also WATCH: Mayank Yadav dismisses Tim Seifert with a 141kph thunderbolt in NZ vs IND 1st T20I
