India’s middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer added a crucial alliance of 86 runs for the third wicket partnership with opener KL Rahul to help the team get over the line by seven wickets. However, there were plenty of mix-ups between Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in the second match. Iyer had called Rahul for a single and then decided to send his partner back when he was almost in the middle of the pitch.
Rahul didn’t even attempt to get back into the crease but the fielder at the cover was not able to hit the bullseye. The non-striker was then able to get back into the crease when New Zealand had another go at the stumps. Tim Southee then threw the ball to Shreyas Iyer’s end but the striker had made his ground. Iyer then called Rahul for a single after the ball ricocheted off the stumps but the latter turned his back towards his partner.
Iyer and Rahul added 86 runs.
Furthermore, Shreyas Iyer survived another close call after the mid-wicket fielder could not hit the stumps. Thus, there was a lot of confusion while running between the wickets between Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
“And at the same time, you curtail the risk as well. It was very important for us to keep at the back of the mind that we need to keep rotating the strike and when the time comes, we need to take charge on the bowlers.” Iyer told the reporters.
Iyer added the plan was not to lose a wicket as there was not much pressure on the run rate. India had lost two early wickets of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and it was crucial to get a partnership.
“It was important not to lose a wicket. The conversation with Rahul was going well apart from the running between the wicket. I am thankful to be part of such an amazing team.” he added.
“It makes you feel a little composed while chasing 130 because at the back of the mind, you know that you have to maintain a run-rate of about 7.”
Iyer scored 44 runs from 33 balls whereas KL Rahul was awarded the Man of the match for scoring an unbeaten knock of 57 runs. India will take on New Zealand in the third T20I at Hamilton on 29th January.