Venue: Greenfield International Stadium ThiruvananthapuramMatch coverage has started! Live updates will appear here.This live blog is AI generated.Ferguson Strikes Again! Sharma Bowled! | India – 48/2 (5.0)January 31, 2026 7:24 pmLockie Ferguson bowls Abhishek Sharma, who departs after a quickfire 30 runs off 16 balls. This is a crucial breakthrough for New Zealand, as India loses its second wicket.Ishan Kishan’s First Six | India – 47/1(4.3)January 31, 2026 7:21 pmIshan Kishan unleashes a powerful six, his first of the innings, sending the ball soaring over the ropes. This aggressive shot propels India past the 45-run mark, showcasing his intent to accelerate the scoring.Ishan Kishan’s First Boundary! | India – 37/1 (4.1)January 31, 2026 7:21 pmIshan Kishan gets off the mark in style, smashing Lockie Ferguson for a well-timed boundary. This shot will boost his confidence and add crucial runs to India’s total.Abhishek Sharma continues to fire with a boundary! | India – 37/1 (4.0)January 31, 2026 7:19 pmAbhishek Sharma ends the over with a superb four, showcasing his aggressive form. This boundary keeps the scoreboard ticking for India after a period of tight bowling.Samson Departs Early | India – 31/1 (2.5)January 31, 2026 7:14 pmSanju Samson is caught by Bevon Jacobs off the bowling of Lockie Ferguson. Samson departs after scoring 6 runs from 6 balls, including one boundary. A crucial breakthrough for New Zealand.Sharma’s Second Six! | India – 29/0 (2.0)January 31, 2026 7:09 pmAbhishek Sharma smashes another massive six, his second of the innings, off Kyle Jamieson. This powerful hit continues India’s aggressive start, pushing the score to 29 without loss after two overs.Abhishek Sharma Continues the Attack | India – 23/0(1.4)January 31, 2026 7:08 pmAbhishek Sharma dispatches Kyle Jamieson for another boundary, showcasing his aggressive intent and adding to India’s rapidly growing total. He’s looking in sublime form early on.Samson’s First Boundary | India – 18/0(1.2)January 31, 2026 7:06 pmSanju Samson opens his account with a stylish boundary, driving the ball through the field. This shot brings up his first runs of the match and continues India’s aggressive start.Sharma Finishes Over with a Flourish | India – 14/0 (1.0)January 31, 2026 7:04 pmAbhishek Sharma smashes another boundary, making it back-to-back fours to finish the first over. He’s looking in ominous form, giving India a flying start.Abhishek Sharma’s Fiery Start | India – 10/0 (0.5)January 31, 2026 7:04 pmAbhishek Sharma dispatches Jacob Duffy for a brilliant four, showcasing his aggressive intent early in the innings. This boundary follows a six, putting India in a strong position.Abhishek Sharma Launches First Six! | India – 6/0 (0.3)January 31, 2026 7:04 pmAbhishek Sharma unleashes a powerful shot, sending the ball soaring over the boundary for the first six of the innings. This audacious hit gets India off the mark in style after two dot balls.First Ball of the Match! | India – 0/0 (0.1)January 31, 2026 7:04 pmJacob Duffy starts for New Zealand, delivering the first ball of the innings to Abhishek Sharma. It’s a dot ball, setting a cautious tone for India’s opening.Squads Announced for the Big Clash!January 31, 2026 7:04 pmThe highly anticipated squads are out! India will feature Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah. New Zealand counters with Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, and Jacob Duffy. Both teams look strong and ready for an exciting contest.