'Simply magnificent': Iyer hails Dhir after record chase heroics

Shreyas Iyer called Naman Dhir's unbeaten 42 off 15 balls 'simply magnificent' after the youngster finished India's record chase in Christchurch. India meet New Zealand again on Saturday in the second T20I.

Captain Shreyas Iyer hailed Naman Dhir's match-winning cameo in the first T20I against New Zealand as 'simply magnificent', saying the youngster's calm, composed finish showed why he belongs in the playing XI. Dhir arrived with 59 needed off 33 balls and held his nerve to finish 42 not out off 15 balls, striking five fours and two sixes, including the winning six off Matt Henry in the final over.

Iyer said Dhir's presence gives the side an additional bowling option that can prove crucial, particularly with left-handed batters at the crease. The India captain also revealed that the ball had held a bit early on before dew made batting easier as the game progressed -- conditions he admitted both sides benefited from, with New Zealand's late surge taking them past 220.

Dhir had earlier slammed 24 not out off six balls against the West Indies in Bengaluru, and his back-to-back finishing acts are building his case as India's designated finisher. India and New Zealand meet again in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24, in the second T20I.