Christchurch: India’s batters came to the rescue in the series opener, but the bowlers must find their rhythm and a way to contain a destructive New Zealand in the second T20I on Saturday.

The batters have often bailed India out of trouble of late, and Thursday was no exception as the bowlers endured another disappointing outing.

The record chase of 226 gave India a crucial 1-0 lead in the five-match series but also exposed weaknesses that could prove costly in the matches ahead.

India’s fifth and sixth bowling options remain a concern, with the all-rounders yet to make their mark in the absence of injury-prone Hardik Pandya.

Nitish Reddy went wicketless and conceded 40 runs in his four overs on Thursday, while Naman Dhir was not called upon to bowl before making a match-winning contribution with the bat.

The frontline bowlers also struggled in the series opener. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, playing his first match for India in nearly four years, conceded 49 runs in his four overs and was short of his best.