New Zealand vs India 2020: Ian Smith Praises Shreyas Iyer; Calls Him Another Superstar
Jan 25, 2020 at 11:06 AM
While Shreyas Iyer incredibly guided the Indian team to a solid victory against the hosts New Zealand in the Auckland T20I on last Friday (24th January), former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Ian Smith lauded the youngster’s splendid efforts. He also praised Manish Pandey who too played an important role to secure Eden Park victory.
It was the opening game of the five-match T20I series between New Zealand and India. India have a struggling T20I record against New Zealand, but these couldn’t stop the Indian team from chasing their record 204-run T20I target outside the home soil successfully.
After deciding to bowl first, the Indian bowlers handled the hosts who managed to post 203 runs. While New Zealand scored lost five (in 20 overs) in the first innings, a total of their three batsmen scored 50-plus runs in that innings. These batsmen were opener Colin Munro (59), Kane Williamson (51) Ross Taylor (54*).
Chasing down the target, India lost their opener Rohit Sharma (7) cheaply. However, another opener KL Rahul and the captain Virat Kohli handled that situation properly with a 99-run partnership for the second wicket. But during the crucial time of that chasing, India lost three quick wickets, including the set batsmen Rahul (56) and Kohli (45).
In that important time, Iyer and Pandey batted superbly and guided the visitors to a comfortable six-wicket victory. They had the crucial 62-run partnership for the unbroken fifth-wicket. While Pandey scored 14 not out, Iyer played the match-winning knock of unbeaten 58 runs off just 29 balls (5 fours and 3 sixes). Undoubtedly, Iyer won the Player of the Match award for his impressive batting performance.
A magnificent inning: Ian Smith on Shreyas Iyer
Former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith called Shreyas Iyer as another superstar. Smith also mentioned Pandey’s responsible batting.
The match commentator said, “We’re seeing another superstar (Shreyas Iyer) arrive in New Zealand shores. A magnificent innings, loved the way India have timed this chase. Credit to Manish Pandey as well. We’re gonna see plenty of them in the next month or so in New Zealand.”
Since his international debut in 2017, Iyer has played 15 ODIs and 18 T20Is. While the right-handed batsman has scored 531 ODI runs (average 44.25), he has also scored 322 runs in T20I career (average 26.83).
On the other hand, Pandey has played 25 ODIs and 34 T20Is since his international debut in 2015. The right-handed batsman has scored 450 ODI runs (average 34.61) and 632 T20I runs (average 42.13).