In a grand comeback, the Men in Blue level ongoing India vs New Zealand three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series on Friday (February 8). The visitors overhauled the target at Eden Park in Auckland in 18.5 overs. Earlier, Krunal Pandya and Khaleel Ahmed set the tone, as Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan provided an early impetus in the run chase.
Rishabh Pant (40) and MS Dhoni (20) remained unbeaten as India sealed the penultimate T20I by seven wickets.
While chasing the target of 159, Indian openers owing to their wealth of experience have given a quality start. The visitors raced to 50 in just six overs.
Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan rotated the strike before attacking the Kiwis bowlers all-around the Eden Park which has unique dimensions. To be clear, the fascinating stadium is used for the Rugby games as well.
The duo didn’t give a chance to Kiwis bowlers to mount pressure early on by executing their plan early on.
Interestingly, with the six on the bowling of Ish Sodhi in eight over, Rohit eclipsed Martin Guptill to become the leading run-getter in the Twenty20 International fold.
Ahead of this T20, the top-order batsman required 35 runs to surpass the Kiwis opener Guptill.
However, he went for a big shot as the fielder stationed at deep midwicket pouched a simple catch. Rohit smashed 50 off 29 balls with the help of four sixes and three fours.
For the first wicket, Rohit and Dhawan post 79 runs in 9.2 overs. However, Dhawan returned to the pavilion while scoring 31-ball 31. Lockie Ferguson who clocked consistently over 145 kph claimed a wicket when Grandhomme completed a simple catch.
Besides, Vijay Shankar scored 14 off eight deliveries as Daryl Mitchell picked his wicket.
Krunal, Khaleel Excel as India Level T20 Series 1-10:
Earlier, Williamson won the toss and opted to bat first in Auckland. He expected the batsmen would yield desired results on their trusted surface. However, Krunal Pandya alongside Khaleel Ahmed had helped India restrict Kiwis to 155 for eight in 20 allotted overs.
Hardik Pandya conceded 36 runs in four overs to claim the prized wicket of Colin de Grandhomme
As India was playing the first-ever T20 at Eden Park, pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided an early breakthrough in the form of wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert, who was the top scorer in the opener of the T20I at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on February 6.
Kiwis lost the first wicket at the score of 15 in 2.3 overs when a faint edge settled into the gloves of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Bhuvneshwar ended up with the figures of one for 29 in his four overs.
Seifert managed to score run-a-ball 12, so as his partner Colin Munro. Rohit caught Munro on the bowling of Krunal.
Daryl Mitchell Dismissal and DRS Drama:
On the other side, Williamson tried to rotate the strike, but the dramatic scenes were not that far when his partner Daryl Mitchell was adjudged LBW by the on-field umpire.
Mitchell, who opted for a review saw third umpire Shaun Haigh upheld the decision while preferring the evidence on the basis of Snicko technology. However, HotSpot had a different tale to narrate.
Under the controversial circumstances, Williamson was taken by surprise as Mitchell decided not to head back towards the pavilion. However, following a brief pause, Mitchell had to return to the hut after scoring a solitary run.
The episode unfolded following the final delivery of sixth over bowled by Krunal.
For India, the fourth wicket came in the form of Williamson who faced 17 balls for his 20. However, Ross Taylor alongside Colin de Grandhomme did the repair work while stitching crucial 77 runs for the fifth wicket.
Grandhomme slammed 50 off 28 deliveries with the help of four sixes and a four.
On the other side, Taylor scored 36-ball 42 before Vijay Shankar’s brilliance saw him well out of his crease.
Apart from it, Mitchell Santner 7 (8), Tim Southee 3 (3) couldn’t add much to the Black Caps’ total.
Scott Kuggelejin remained not out on two in as many balls.
Meanwhile, fans hold a #MeToo movement banner in Auckland during the second T20I. Pertinently, in the opener of the T20I in Wellington, the fans carrying a banner of ‘No Means No’ saw authorities didn’t allow the signboard inside the stadium.
However, the reports suggested the banner was introduced following the inclusion of Kuggelejin in the playing XI. In 2015, he was accused of rape and he was cleared later on.
The virtual final will commence at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday (February 10).
India vs New Zealand 2019 – Brief Score
Colin de Grandhomme 50 (28), Ross Taylor 42 (36) – Krunal Pandya 3 for 28, Khaleed Ahmed 2 for 27
Rohit Sharma 50 (28), Rishabh Pant 40 (27), Lockie Ferguson 1 for 31, Ish Sodhi 1 for 31
