India have won all three T20Is played at Eden Park, and a striking feature of those victories is that the team chased down the target on every occasion. The small Auckland ground has proved to be a favourable hunting ground for India, with the team maintaining a perfect winning record while batting second.
The first T20I between India and New Zealand at Eden Park was played on February 8, 2019. New Zealand posted 158 runs, but India chased down the target in 18.5 overs, winning the match by seven wickets. Krunal Pandya was named Player of the Match for his bowling performance, taking three wickets for 28 runs in his four overs.
During the run chase, Rohit Sharma scored 50 runs, while Shikhar Dhawan contributed 30. Rishabh Pant, who came in at number three, remained unbeaten on 40 off 28 balls. Mahendra Singh Dhoni also returned unbeaten after scoring 20 runs.
The two teams met again at the same venue on January 24, 2020. New Zealand put up a formidable total of 203 runs, but India successfully chased the target, scoring 204 in 19 overs. India secured a six-wicket victory with six balls to spare. Shreyas Iyer was named Player of the Match for his contribution to the memorable win. Interestingly, Iyer is the captain of the current Indian team, making Eden Park a particularly memorable venue for him.
The third T20I between the two sides at Eden Park took place on January 26, 2020. New Zealand were bowled out for 132, after which India completed the chase in 17.3 overs, winning by seven wickets. KL Rahul was named Player of the Match after scoring 57 runs off 50 balls.
Shreyas Iyer also made a significant contribution in that match, scoring 44 runs off 33 balls. His performance further strengthened his connection with the Auckland venue.
India have therefore won all three T20Is played against New Zealand at Eden Park, with every victory coming while chasing a target in the second innings. The fourth T20I between the teams is scheduled to take place at the same ground on Friday, October 30.
With India already leading the series 3-0 after winning the first three matches, the Auckland encounter offers another opportunity for the visitors to maintain their unbeaten record at a venue where they have consistently succeeded in run chases.
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