In the third and final match of New Zealand vs India 2019 Twenty20 International (T2oI) series, the Black Caps on Sunday (February 10) sealed the T20I series 2-1 in Hamilton by four runs against Rohit Sharma-led India. The visitors with the help of late blitz from Dinesh Karthik 33* (16) and Krunal Pandya 26* (13) were close to the target, but yet too far.
The hosts won the game by four runs as India could post 208 for six in 20 allotted overs.
The last ball thriller saw some competition as Mitchel Santner settled with two wickets in three overs, so as, Daryl Mitchell.
Scott Kuggelejin and Blair Tickner settled for wicket apiece.
While chasing a target of 213 which takes a lot from the get-go, India didn’t have a good start. The southpaw in Shikhar Dhawan was the first to go at the score of six.
Interestingly, the hosts kicked off the proceeding with the spinner Mitchell Santner.
Dhawan faced four deliveries for his five before Daryl Mitchell claimed a straight forward catch at the deep square leg region.
However, Rohit alongside Vijay Shankar 43 (28) knitted 75 runs for the second wicket, before Shankar was caught by Colin de Grandhomme on the bowling of Santner.
Apart from it, the pyrotechnics from Rishabh Pant saw India eased past the 100-run mark. However, Blair Tickner managed to pick his maiden wicket when Kane Williamson took a brilliant catch at the midwicket region.
Pant smashed 12-ball 26 with the help of three sixes and a four.
Moreover, Rohit couldn’t continue following a cautious start. The top-order batsman faced 32 balls for 38 runs as India lost the fourth wicket at the score of 141 in 14 overs. Well, a faint edge settled in the gloves of Tim Seifert on the bowling of Daryl Mitchell.
Also, Hardik Pandya 21 (11), who tried to accelerate the innings was caught by Williamson the bowling off Scott Kuggelejin.
In addition, Dhoni 2 (4) couldn’t stay longer at the crease as his innings was cut short by Mitchell.
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Earlier, interim skipper Rohit won the toss but decided to have a go with a ball.
Colin Munro Show at Seddon Park:
Kiwis post 212 for four in 20 allotted overs while riding on the impressive showing from their top-order batsmen.
Daryl Mitchell remained not out on 19 off 11 balls, whereas, Ross Taylor scored 14 off seven balls.
For hosts, the dangerous top-order batsman Munro was the top-scorer with 72 off 40 deliveries. His blazing knock included five sixes and as many boundaries.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers while claiming two scalps in his quota of four overs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Khaleed Ahmed, who look a tad too expensive picked wicket apiece.
On the other side, the left-arm orthodox spinner Krunal Pandya didn’t look comfortable with the ball. He was the expensive bowler who gave away 54 runs in four overs. Also, his younger brother Hardik Pandya found it tough to be among the wickets. He conceded 44 runs in his four overs.
In between, the sloppy fielding from Indian fielders cost 10-15 extra runs for the visitors.
The Kiwis openers Colin Munro and Tim Seifert gave a brisk start while taking the bowlers to cleaners. The duo put up a stand of 80 runs in 7.4 overs, before Dhoni’s brilliance cut short the innings of wicketkeeper-batsman Seifert.
Dhoni affects stumping in 0.099 seconds:
Dhoni whipped off bails in a flash as the TV replays suggested there was nothing behind the popping crease.
Seifert returned to the pavilion after scoring 43 off just 25 balls. His innings was laced with three sixes and as many fours. But Munro on the other side looked in a good touch who often found fences to ease pressure on his new partner.
For the second-wicket, Munro alongside skipper Kane Williamson added 55 runs before perishing on the bowling of wrist-spinner Kuldeep when Hardik Pandya completed a skier in a best possible way.
Also, de Grandhomme, who smashed a fine fifty in Auckland, provided an impetus in between. He slammed 16-ball 30 with the help of three fours and a six.
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India vs New Zealand 2019 – Brief Score
New Zealand: Colin Munro 72 (40), Tim Seifert 43 (25) – Kuldeep Yadav 2 for 26
India: Vijay Shankar 43 (28), Rohit Sharma 38 (32) Daryl Mitchell 2 for 27, Mitchell Santner 2 for 32
