Following a superb show in the five-match One-day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, the Men in Blue middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu revealed his focus was on to play his natural game and take the game close to the 30th over. Now, India has clinched India vs New Zealand 2019 series 4-1 with the 35-run victory in fifth and final ODI at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
Rayudu maintained he found it tough in the middle against the quality bowling side. Earlier, India set the target of 253 for the Black Caps, but hosts were all out on 217 in 44.1 overs.
“It was very tough against a quality bowling attack. Was thinking we should take the game to 30th over without losing another wicket. Our only plan was to play the full fifty overs,” Rayudu told Simon Doull during a post-match presentation.
At one stage when India was in dire straits with four for 18 in 9.3 overs, Rayudu came out to rescue his side. He knitted 98 runs for the fifth wicket alongside Vijay Shankar (45). Eventually, it is followed by a 74-run partnership for the sixth wicket alongside Kedar Jadhav.
The right-handed batsman Rayudu smashed 113-ball 90 to become the top-scorer of the recently-concluded game. Moreover, Rayudu won the Man of the Match for his significant contribution to the team.
Rayudu stated the No.4, five and six respectively had to put in hard yards.
The 33-year-old Rayudu said the Hamilton was a one-off game. He stated the team has set their sights on giving best in the foreseeable fixtures.
“Especially for people batting at four, five and six, you get opportunities only when the situation is tough. Don’t think setting totals has ever been an issue. That was a one-off game in Hamilton,” Rayudu said.
In conclusion, Rayudu remarked they could face such situations ahead. Adding the bowlers have done remarkably well to reap the rewards for the team. The leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal put up a good show in Wellington, as Mohammed Shami bagged Man of the Series award for his promising show in the ODI leg.
“Might face similar challenges in future. Great effort by our bowlers,” Rayudu signed off.
Now, the ODI series is done and dusted. So, the eyes would now settle on the three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) commencing from February 6 at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.