Win Projections to be updated soon
3rd T20I, Hamilton, January 29, 2020, 12:30 PM
India
179/5(20.0ov)
New Zealand
179/6(20.0ov)
India tied with New Zealand (India win Super Over by 2 wickets)
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Rohit Sharma
Commentry
That is it from this superb game of cricket. We all need a breather after this game but the action from the T20I series is not over. Join us for the 4th T20I of the series on Friday, 31st January. That game will begin at 2000 local (0700 GMT). Hope to see you for that one. Till then, cheers!
Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, says that it is an unbelievable game and they looked down and out. Credits Williamson for a wonderful knock and is sad for him not crossing the line. States that Shami showed all his experience and got the game back for us. Praises Rohit as he states that he gave us a good start and got us over the line. Shami bowled two pressure balls and delivered. States that they have to stay calm and that is what they did when New Zealand scored 17 in the Super Over. Finishes by saying that Saini and Sundar are waiting in the wings but the idea is to win the remaining two games.
Kane Williamson, the New Zealand skipper,says that they have been involved in Super Overs and they don't have a good record. Adds that it was much better performance than last time. Is happy with how they came back with the ball in the first innings. Goes on to say that it feels good to spend time out in the middle and build partnerships. Is disappointed with not getting over the line. States that overall it was a better performance. Williamson goes on to say that they spoke about getting 15 or 20 more.
For his heroics in the Super Over but don't forget his smacking 68 in the first innings. Rohit Sharma has been named the Man of the Match. Rohit says that he has never done that before and he was waiting for the bowlers to make a mistake in the Super Over. Goes to say that it was a good performance but was disappointed with the way he got out in the first innings. Adds that it is important for the senior members to step up as if they had won the match, they would have won the series.
Earlier in the day, India after a rollicking start failed to get to 200 and scored 179 from their 20 overs courtesy of a brisk 68 from Rohit Sharma. After the tourists lost the plot in the middle of their innings, cameos from Kohli, Jadeja and Manish Pandey took them to a very good total of 179. Hamish Bennett made strong comeback with the ball after going for 40 in his first two overs. He managed to finish with three wickets.
Then it was time for the Super Over! Just like Shami in the final over of the regulation game, many expected Bumrah to bounce back and change the kind of day he was having. But that did not come and Williamson once again got the better of the pacer. He along with Guptill managed to score 17 off the final over. Now it looked like New Zealand have taken the long route but will get the win and end their duck for the series but the fight between New Zealand and Super Over continued. The first 4 balls were okay. Southee had 10 to defend from the last two. That's when Hitman removed his snipper and shot New Zealand's hope smacking two sixes of the last two balls and breaking all the Kiwi hearts. The wounds of 2019 World Cup final were just starting to heal but this loss has once again revitalized those agony for the New Zealand fans.
It was a very indescribable day for the Indian bowlers. They were not at their best. Their strike bowlers, Bumrah and Shami had an off day. The former was not his usual self, he looked frustrated, annoyed and just could not manage to find the yorkers with consistency like he generally does. He conceded 45 from his 4. Jadeja and Thakur were the stars of the show before the final over. Jadeja went for less than 6 rpo and picked up a wicket. Thakur had two from his 3 overs and gave just 21. Chahal had one wicket as well but was expensive. Shami had a horrid day before the final over. Defending 9, he was hit for a 6 off the first ball but then he made a comeback like he has done on so many occasions. He managed to take the game in the Super Over and keep his side in the hut.
Chasing 180, New Zealand got off to a decent start as Guptill took the charge when Munro struggled. Guptill departed just before the opening stand could reach 50. Munro soon joined his partner. Kane Williamson, the ice-cool man of New Zealand. The messiah, took the control of the game. He took charge and built partnerships first with Santner, then Colin de Grandhomme. The former two struggled, the skipper saw that and took on the role of the aggressor we rarely see from him. Ross Taylor then joined him and the two experienced campaigners almost saw their side home but only for the dreaded final over where once can say they shot themselves on their own foot. Needing 9 off the final over, Taylor tonked a six in the first ball of the final over but then they choked under pressure and could not manage to score the remaining 3. They could score only 2 to get the match to Super Over!
What a finish!!! Rohit Sharma you beauty! India were down and out but out of nowhere they managed to drag the game in the Super Over and even then they were on the back foot but they have done the stuff of champions. Rohit Sharma you masterpiece! The miracle man from Mumbai, the new superman of Indian cricket! He has done the unthinkable and wrapped up the series for the Men in Blue! Once again it is the Super Over which plays the role of the antagonist for New Zealand and has brought about their downfall. The curse of the Super Over continues to haunt them and they just cannot find a way to get rid of it.
Ball 6: Southee to Rohit, SIX! Sharma has hoisted it over long off for a biggie! INDIA WIN THE SUPER OVER! What a poor delivery yet again by Southee under pressure. He delivers it full and on middle, Rohit clears his front leg and rifles it over wide long off for the winning runs. Look at the joy in the Indian camp. They have found a way to make a comeback in this match and have now taken an unassailable lead in the series.
Ball 5: Southee to Rohit, SIX! This one is out of the ground! Rohit, you beauty! Southee errs big time. Serves it in the slot, Sharma clears his front leg and launches it over mid-wicket for a maximum. 4 needed off 1 ball.
Ball 4: Southee to Rahul, 1 run! 10 needed off 2 balls. Pressure everywhere. Southee spears in a very full ball on middle, Rahul shuffles back for a big shot but only manages to drag it down towards long on.
Ball 3: Southee to Rahul, FOUR! Rahul finds the fence! Southee once again bowls a full toss outside off, KL shuffles across the stumps and smashes it through backward square leg for a boundary. 11 needed off 3 balls.
Ball 2: Southee to Rohit, 1 run! A low full toss on middle, Rohit once again inside edges his attempted heave across the line. The ball travels to fine leg and they cross.
Ball 1: Southee to Rohit, 2 runs! RUN OUT CHANCE MISSED! A length ball around middle, Rohit goes for a big heave across the line but it takes the inner half and rolls to deep mid-wicket. Sharma wants the second and scampers across to the other end. KL is hesitant in taking off but Rohit scoots. He makes it with a dive as the keeper fails to collect the ball cleanly.
What a finish from New Zealand. They have managed to score 17 runs off the Super Over and India have a very difficult task of scoring 18 to wrap up the series. Kudos to Williamson and Guptill. They have taken on Bumrah in the Super Over who has had a poor evening. The onus now will be on the Kiwi bowler who will take the ball for the Super Over as the batters have done their job. It will be interesting to see which two batters come out to bat for India. New Zealand are the one in the driver's seat. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are the nominated batsmen for the visitors. Tim Southee to bowl the pressure over. Here we go...
Ball 6: Bumrah to Guptill, FOUR! Guptill nails it this time! Bumrah once again bowls a full toss on middle and Guptill hammers it across the line. The long on fielder moves across to his right but fails to cut it off. New Zealand end on 17/0!
Ball 5: Bumrah to Williamson, Bye! Swing and a miss! Back of a length delivery outside off, Kane swings at it massively but is beaten. They cross for a bye and there is a near collision between the batsmen.
Ball 4: Bumrah to Williamson, FOUR! The Kiwi skipper is on fire! Bumrah fails to land his yorker and Williamson takes it on the full. He muscles it over extra cover and finds the fence.
Ball 3: Bumrah to Williamson, SIX! Kane is the man! Bumrah once again delivers it full and outside off, Williamson shuffles across the stumps and dispatches it over backward square leg. New Zealand need many more like these.
Ball 2: Bumrah to Guptill, 1 run! UPPISH BUT SAFE! A full toss around off, Guptill goes straight and lofts it over mid off. No timing at all and it doesn't carry to the fielder in the deep. They cross.
Ball 1: Bumrah to Williamson, 1 run! A length ball is angled into the batsman, Williamson swings it over mid-wicket and crosses for one.
Kohli is having a discussion with Ravi Shastri as to who will bowl the Super Over. Looks like it will be Jasprit Bumrah. Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill are the nominated batsmen for the hosts.
What drama we have just witnessed in the last over! When Taylor hit the six off the first ball of the last over, it looked all over for India. Shami did not give up though as he picked up the wicket of Kane Williamson and gave just a single off the next two balls. Taylor had just a single to take the last ball but missed. Shami did not as the ball went on to hit the stumps and it followed into a Super Over. Brilliant last over from Mohammed Shami.
19.6
W
OUT! Bowled! Shami has done the unthinkable, especially after being hit for a maximum on the first ball of the over. Folks, we are in for a Super Over! Full around off, Taylor looks to play it on the up but ends up getting a thick inside edge which goes onto hit the stumps. What a comeback from Shami! Champion stuff from a champion player.
Rahul has removed his one glove.
19.5
1b
Play and miss again but this time they steal a bye. Back of a length outside off, Seifert throws his bat at it but misses. Taylor shows awareness and calls for a run straightaway. Rahul tries to score a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses.
19.4
.
Play and a miss. More importantly a dot ball. Back of a length outside off, Seifert throws his bat at it but misses.
Tim Seifert is coming out to the middle. Can he finish things off for his side?
19.3
W
OUT! Caught! Is there a twist in the tale here? Williamson departs after playing a wonderful innings. Back of a length around off, Williamson looks to play it over point but the ball zips off the surface and kisses the outside edge of the bat which goes to the right of the keeper. Rahul takes it and goes down on the ground. 2 needed off 3 now.
19.2
1
Fuller on middle, Taylor strokes it to long on for a single.
19.1
6
SIX! Goodbye. That looks to be the end of the game here. Shami looks for the blockhole but misses and delivers a crispy full toss on off. Taylor gets under it and smashes it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Mohammed Shami will bowl the final over. 3-0-25-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
1
1
4
1
4
0
Jasprit Bumrah 45/0(4)
18.6
1
Full on the pads, Taylor flicks it to the leg side for a single. 9 needed off the last over.
18.5
1
Yorker. This is a very good yorker but Williamson does really well to dig it out towards point and gets a single.
18.4
4
FOUR! Very good shot from Williamson. He has smartly and by talent taken on Bumrah in this game. Full on middle, Kane gets on his back foot and flicks it fine down the leg side. Samson runs to his right and puts in a dive to save but fails to do so.
18.3
1
Full toss now on off. Misses his yorker this time. Taylor flicks it to the leg side for a single.
18.2
4
FOUR! Right in the gap. Full and closer to the off pole this time. Taylor this time manages to get bat on ball and whips it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
18.1
.
Play and a miss. Full outside off, Ross looks to flick it on the leg side but misses.
In over# 1
1
1
2
2
1
2
Yuzvendra Chahal 36/1(4)
17.6
1
Around the pads, Williamson flicks it to the leg side for a single. 20 needed off the last 2.
17.5
1
Shorter outside off, Kane pulls it but does not time it at all. Works in his favor as it falls short of the man at deep mid-wicket. Won't get the second this time though.
17.4
2
Slower and flighted outside off, Williamson punches it wide of long off and calls for two straightaway. They put the pressure on the fielder and that's the reason the throw from the fielder is a poor one at the keeper's end. That is what pressure does.
17.3
2
Loopy delivery on middle, Williamson sweeps it to deep square leg for a couple.
17.2
1
Floated ball outside off, Taylor bends on his knees and looks to sweep but it goes off the inside half of the bat and goes towards square leg. A single taken.
17.1
2
Good throw from the keeper and it might have been close. Flatter one on middle, Taylor works it to the deep mid-wicket region and takes off for a couple. The fielder has a shy the bowler's end but it is a wide throw allowing Williamson to make it back.
Yuzvendra Chahal will finish his quota. 3-0-27-1 are his figures.
In over# 1
2
0
4
4
4
0
Jasprit Bumrah 34/0(3)
16.6
2
On the pads, Williamson flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Rohit Sharma fails to back up cleanly allowing them to take the second. 14 off Bumrah's over and New Zealand need 29 off 18 balls now.
16.5
.
Good comeback from Bumrah. This is a perfect yorker on middle, Williamson cannot do much but just dig it out.
16.4
4
FOUR! Make that hat-trick of boundaries. Bumrah under the sword here. Full on off, Williamson goes over covers and connects well this time to get another boundary.
16.3
4
FOUR! Another very good shot from Williamson. Looks like he has read and picked out Bumrah. Full outside off, Williamson lofts his flick over mid-wicket for a boundary.
16.2
4
FOUR! Full ball on off, Williamson lofts this one over the cover region. Iyer looks to catch the ball as he runs from point in that direction but cannot keep the ball in play despite getting his hand to it.
16.1
.
Lovely ball. Slower ball and it is also outside off. Williamson swings at it but misses.
Jasprit Bumrah is back on. 2-0-20-0 are his figures.
Ross Taylor finally makes his way out to the middle.
In over# 1
0W
1
1
1
0
6
Shardul Thakur 21/2(3)
15.6
W
OUT! Caught! The over started with a six but ends with a wicket. Ecstacy for Thakur and Colin de Grandhomme's stuttering start comes to an end. Did not get going at all in this innings. Full outside off, de Grandhomme looks to go over cover but gets a thick outside edge which flies towards short third man. Dube there takes the catch. The good news for New Zealand is their skipper is still out in the middle.
15.5
1
Full outside off, Williamson bends his knee a bit and whips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
15.4
1
Length ball outside off, de Grandhomme punches it with power but there is a man in the deep so just one.
15.3
1
Good length ball outside off, Williamson runs it down to third man for a single.
15.2
.
Short ball close to the body, Kane ducks under it.
15.1
6
SIX! Smashed! Full ball on middle and off, Williamson has just smoked this one downtown over long off for a maximum.
Shardul Thakur is back. 12/1 from his 2 overs.
In over# 1
1
6
6
0
1
0
Ravindra Jadeja 23/1(4)
14.6
1
On off, Williamson pushes it to point for a single. An expensive last over from Jadeja. 14 runs from it. He finishes with 4-0-23-1.
14.5
6
SIX! Another one. Short ball on middle, Williamson stands tall and pulls it over the deep mid-wicket region for another biggie.
14.4
6
SIX! This is brilliant batting from the skipper. Floated on middle, Williamson hammers it over the bowler's head for a biggie.
14.3
.
Floated ball down the leg side. Williamson looks to play it on the off side but fails to get any bat on it.
14.2
1
Run out appeal but de Grandhomme was in. Flatter delivery outside off, de Grandhomme cuts it to point and takes off for a single. The fielder throws it to the bowler who whips the bails off. The third umpire is called. The replays roll in and they show that de Grandhomme had made his way back in.
14.1
.
Flatter delivery outside off, de Grandhomme looks to cut but fails to connect with it.
Ravindra Jadeja is back on. 3-0-9-1 are his figures.
In over# 1
4
1
1
6
0
2
Mohammed Shami 25/0(3)
13.6
4
FOUR! Fifty for Kane Williamson! The skipper is once again keeping his side in the game just like he has done in so many previous occasions. Shorter on off, Williamson pulls it over square leg and gets a boundary to get to his milestone. He raises his bat but it is a subdued celebration from the skipper as he knows the onus will be on him to take his side home. India were at the same score at this stage. 66 needed off the last 6 overs.
13.5
1
Good backup from Chahal. A less spoken about aspect of the game but a very vital part. Good length ball on off, CdG plays it to point and goes for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Luckily Chahal is back to cover it.
13.4
1
Fuller on off, Kane pushes it to cover for a run.
13.3
6
SIX! Not off the middle but Williamson is not complaining. Good length ball outside off, Williamson looks to flat-bat it over covers but the ball goes off the upper half of his bat and goes over the third man fence for a biggie.
13.2
.
Length delivery outside off, Williamson plays it to point and calls a loud wait to his partner.
13.1
2
Good length delivery outside off, Williamson looks to punch it on the off side but the ball goes towards mid-wicket off the inner half of his bat and they take a couple.
Mohammed Shami is back! 2-0-11-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
0
0
1
6
1
1
Yuzvendra Chahal 27/1(3)
12.6
.
Flatter one on off, Cdg pushes it to point for nothing.
12.5
.
BEATEN! Flighted ball outside off, de Grandhomme looks to sweep but fails to get any bat on it.
12.4
1
What has happened there? Looks like de Grandhomme has not got his bat in cleanly. Short ball on off, Williamson guides it to short third man for a single. The fielder collects and throws it to the keeper. Rahul does not think to whip the bails off. De Grandhomme as he was running, his bat got stuck on the pitch. The replays roll in and they show that CdG's bat was outside the crease by the time Rahul collected the ball.
12.3
6
SIX! Well played! Flighted ball on middle, Williamson bends on his knees and sweeps it over the deep mid-wicket region for a flat maximum.
12.2
1
Short ball outside off, de Grandhomme pushes it to deep cover for a single.
12.1
1
Floated ball on middle, Williamson works it to the leg side for a single.
Chahal to continue.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1
0
Ravindra Jadeja 9/1(3)
11.6
.
Flatter on off, de Grandhomme defends it to get through the over.
11.5
1
On the pads, Kane flicks it to the leg side for a single.
11.4
.
NOT OUT! Williamson is just about in. Flatter and quicker outside off, Kane lunges forward and looks to drive it on the up but misses. Rahul whips the bails off quickly but Williamson is quick to get his foot back in and down. Williamson is down on the floor and the square leg umpire goes to the T.V umpire for help. It is a very close call as from one angle it looks like his foot is down but from the other it looks like his foot is not. The third umpire after a long thought gives the benefit of the doubt to the batsman and signals Not Out on the giant screen.
What has happened there? Looks like the the umpire has taken a stumping appeal upstairs. The replays show that it is a stumping chance. The replays confirm that and they show that Williamson was looking out of his crease. Is he though? The third umpire thinks otherwise.
11.3
1
Better fielding from Dube and Colin de Grandhomme would have been in trouble. Flatter on off, de Grandhomme plays it towards point and the batters go for a quick single. Dube fails to gather the ball cleanly allowing them to take the run with ease.
11.2
1
Flatter on off, Williamson strokes it through mid off for a single.
11.1
.
Flatter on the pads, Williamson looks to defend but misses.
Ravindra Jadeja is back. 2-0-6-1, his numbers.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
1
4
4
Yuzvendra Chahal 18/1(2)
10.6
.
An appeal for LBW turned down! Flatter one on the pads, de Grandhomme looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it. Chahal puts up in an appeal but the umpire is not interested. The replays show that it is umpire's call on impact and on hitting the leg stump.
10.5
.
Floated ball on middle, de Grandhomme defends it out.
Colin de Grandhomme is the new man in.
10.4
W
OUT! TIMBER! Santner's experiment does not work. Flatter one on middle, Santner looks to flick but misses and the ball goes onto hit the middle stump. Mitchell Santner was sent to counter-attack but he has not done his job and has to make a long walk back to the pavilion. The umpire goes upstairs to check whether it is a no ball but Jadeja is fine on that front.
10.3
1
Floated ball on off, Williamson defends it to cover for a single.
10.2
4
FOUR! Now it is Dube's turn to concede a boundary. Short ball on middle, Williamson pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Dube runs across from mid off, slides and fails to stop the ball. Back-to-back boundaries for the skipper.
10.1
4
MISFIELD AND FOUR! This is poor fielding from Shami! Short ball on middle, Williamson pulls it to deep square leg. Shami comes across and overruns the ball. He is lazy in bending down too as the ball hits his leg and the ball rolls into the fence.
Yuzvendra Chahal is back on. 1-0-9-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
4
1
0
1
Jasprit Bumrah 20/0(2)
9.6
1
Now dabs it to third man and keeps the strike. New Zealand 79/2 at the halfway mark of this chase. India at this stage were 92/1. The hosts need 101 off the final 10 overs.
9.5
.
Outside off, Kane strokes it to point.
9.4
4
FOUR! Easily done! Good length delivery outside off, Williamson waits for it and runs it down to third man for a well-placed boundary.
9.3
1
DROPPED! Jadeja puts down Santner. Not the easiest but not the toughest as well. Slower ball on middle and leg, Santner looks to tuck it on the leg side but getes beaten by the pace. It takes the leading edge and goes behind point. Thakur runs in from deep, Jadeja runs behind from point. He does the difficult part of getting there but he overruns a bit. The ball falls around his chest and he looks to take it with his fingers pointing towards the sky. The ball goes in and comes out of his hand. Bumrah is disappointed. We very rarely see Jadeja dropping catches.
9.2
.
Slower ball, bowled at 121 kph. Very difficult to pick those from Bumrah. It is outside off, Santner looks to defend but misses.
9.1
1
Full delivery outside off, Williamson drives it to deep cover for a single.
Jasprit Bumrah is back on. His first over cost 13 runs.
In over# 1
1
1lb
1
1
0
1
Ravindra Jadeja 6/1(2)
8.6
1
Shorter around off, Williamson punches it towards cover for a single.
8.5
1lb
On the pads, Santner looks to flick but the ball goes to the leg side off his pads for a leg bye.
8.4
1
Flighted on off, KW strokes it towards cover for a run.
8.3
1
A rare poor effort from Kohli in the field. Short around off, Santner pulls it towards mid-wicket. Kohli there misfields allowing them to take the single.
8.2
.
On the pads, Santner looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
8.1
1
Floated on off, Williamson plays it to point for a single.
In over# 1
1
6
1
4
1
1
Shivam Dube 14/0(1)
7.6
1
In the air but safe. Good length ball on off, Williamson punches it to the right of the bowler. He does so uppishly but Dube cannot get his hand on the way. Single taken. 14 runs off Dube's over. Pressure releasing one for New Zealand.
7.5
6
SIX! Into the crowd. They have decided to go after Dube here. Length ball on middle and leg, Williamson gets down on one knee and paddles it over the fine leg fence for a biggie.
7.4
1
In the air but safe. Outside off on a length, Santner cuts it uppishly but it falls short of third man for a single.
7.3
4
FOUR! Santner pulls it with disdain! Good length ball on off, Santner pulls it over mid-wicket and fetches his first boundary of the game.
7.2
1
Single but a stroke of intent from Willamson. Good length ball around off, Kane comes down the track and lofts it over covers with a flat-bat. There is a man in the deep so just a single.
7.1
1
Good length delivery outside off, Santner strokes it to long on and gets to the other end.
Shivam Dube is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0W
1
Ravindra Jadeja 2/1(1)
6.6
.
Flatter on off, Kane defends it to get through the over. Successful first over from Jadeja. Just 2 runs and a wicket off it.
6.5
.
Shorter on off, Williamson punches it towards cover for a single.
6.4
1
On the pads, Santner glances it to the leg side for a single.
6.3
.
Beauty! Quicker and turning in. Santner looks to play it on the off side but the ball goes right between the bat and pad but also misses the stump.
Just like India, the Kiwis too are experimenting. They have sent Mitchell Santner up the order.
6.2
W
OUT! Stumped! Jadeja strikes in his first over. Munro's struggling knock comes to an end. Flatter and straighter on off. Colin comes down the track and looks to flat-bat it on the off side but misses it completely. He is so far down the track that the only reason he looks back is to go to the dugout. Rahul does the easy work and just like India, New Zealand lose both their openers in quick succession.
6.1
1
Jadeja starts with a flatter delivery on off, Williamson strokes it to long off and gets a single.
Ravindra Jadeja is on now.
In over# 1
0
4b
0W
4
0
0
Shardul Thakur 12/1(2)
5.6
.
Short delivery down the leg side, Munro pulls it to short fine leg. 51/1 after the Powerplay.
5.5
4b
FOUR BYES! Slower delivery outside off, Munro looks to lift it straight but misses. KL Rahul dives to his right but fails to collect it cleanly. The ball goes past him and into the fence.
Will it be the skipper at Kane Williamson at number 3 or just like India, will they experiment? No experiment from the Kiwis as it is Kane Williamson who walks out at number 3.
5.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Guptill perishes after giving another start. This was not a wicket-taking delivery but Martin has hit it straight to the deep cover fielder. Short ball outside off, Guptill stands tall and cuts it. It goes uppishly towards deep cover. Sanju Samson, the substitute, lunges forward and takes the catch. India are elated and rightly so.
5.3
4
FOUR! Hammered! Short ball on middle, Guptill pulls it with utter disdain towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
5.2
.
BEATEN! Thakur bowls a short one around middle, Guptill looks to play the upper cut but fails to get any bat on it.
5.1
.
Back of a length ball on off, Guptill looks to defend but it takes the bottom edge of the bat and rolls just past the off stump. On another day, this could have easily rolled onto the stumps.
Shardul Thakur is back on. 1-0-8-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
1
0
0
4
1b
4
Yuzvendra Chahal 9/0(1)
4.6
1
On the pads, Martin flicks it to the leg side and keeps the strike.
4.5
.
Flatter and quicker on leg, Guprill looks to sweep but misses and luckily for MG the ball goes over the stumps.
4.4
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
4.3
4
DROPPED AND FOUR! Short and outside off, spinning away sharply. Guptill looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge. It goes to the right of first slip, Kohli is taken by surprise and gets fingertips on it. The ball goes behind and to the fence.
4.2
1b
Beauty from Chahal! Floated delivery on middle and off, Munro looks to go for the cut but the ball turns in and misses everything. It goes off Rahul's pad towards fine leg and the batters take a bye.
4.1
4
FOUR! Harsh welcome for Chahal. Floated on the pads, Munro gets down on one knee and sweeps it through square leg for a single.
Spin time! Yuzvendra Chahal is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
1lb
0
4
1
1
Mohammed Shami 11/0(2)
3.6
.
Length delivery on middle, Guptill taps it towards backward point and looks for a single but Munro sends him back.
Munro is down on the ground. Seems like he has got hit on the ribs. He is looking in immense pain. The physio is out having a look. All in readiness now. Munro looks a lot better.
3.5
1lb
Ouch! That one must have hurt Munro! Another back of a length ball on middle and leg, Munro looks to pull but misses it and he is hit on the ribs. The ball rolls towards the leg side and the batters take a leg bye but as soon as that is completed, Munro is down on the ground and in some pain.
3.4
.
Swing and a miss. Munro is getting frustrated here. Full outside off, Munro swings his bat but misses.
3.3
4
FOUR! Good length ball outside off, it is a slower one by Shami! Munro looks to smash this one over cover but the ball goes off the bottom half of the bat over backward point for a boundary.
3.2
1
Length ball on off and middle, Guptill glances it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
3.1
1
Good length ball on the body, Munro lifts his front leg up and half pulls it towards mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
0
6
0
6
1
0
Jasprit Bumrah 13/0(1)
2.6
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended off the back foot by Guptill. A very good over for New Zealand as 13 runs come off it.
2.5
6
SIX! Excellent shot from Guptill. Actually it is more of a smart shot. Short on middle, Guptill withdraws himself just a bit and upper cuts it over the keeper's head for a biggie. Second one of the over.
2.4
.
On the pads, Guptill glances it to the leg side.
2.3
6
EDGED AND SIX! Short and outside off, Guptill looks to slash it over on the off side but ends up getting a thick outside edge. It flies to the left of third man. Shami runs and stretches but cannot get there. The boundaries here are small so it flies over the fence.
2.2
1
Back of a length closer to the body, Munro hops and defends it to the off side of the pitch and gets a single.
2.1
.
Fuller on off, Guptill pushes it to cover for one.
Jasprit Bumrah is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1
1
Mohammed Shami 5/0(1)
1.6
1
Around middle and leg, Munro looks to slog but gets a glove on it. The ball lobs wide of Rahul after it hits his thigh pad but he cannot get there. They take a run. Just 5 off Shami's first.
1.5
.
On off, Munro defends it.
1.4
1
Good length on off, Guptill defends it with soft hands and gets a single.
1.3
1
Another length ball on middle and leg, Munro looks to pull but the ball goes off the inside edge towards the leg side for a single.
1.2
1
On the pads, Guptill turns it to fine leg for a single.
1.1
1
Shami starts with a good length delivery on the pads, Munro looks to flick but misses. The ball hits his pads and goes to the off side. They take a run, there was a bit of inside edge so it has been called as a run.
Mohammed Shami to partner Shardul Thakur from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
6
0
Shardul Thakur 8/0(1)
0.6
.
Short ball around middle, Guptill defends it to the bowler.
0.5
.
Play and a miss! Full delivery outside off, moving away from the batsman. Guptill looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it.
0.4
1
Good length ball on the pads, Munro flicks it to fine leg for a single.
0.3
1
Fullish delivery on middle angling in, Guptill pushes it to mid on for a single.
0.2
6
SIX! What a start to the innings. Full delivery on off, Guptill dances down the track and hammers it over the long off region for a biggie.
0.1
.
Thakur starts with a length ball on off, Guptill prods forward and defends it to point.
The run chase gets underway! Martin Guptill and Colin Munro make their way out to the middle in pursuit of 180. The Indian players follow them out to the field. Shardul Thakur will start the proceedings with the ball for the visitors.
So New Zealand need 180 to keep the series alive. It is a small ground and the pitch looks good to bat as well but this Indian bowling line-up is not easy to put away and the Kiwis will need to be on top of their game. India will carry the momentum from the end of the first innings and would look to wrap the series up in this game. Can the Men in Blue conquer in their quest or will New Zealand make a comeback? Join us in a while to find out.
A good bowling performance from New Zealand. Actually a good recovery work from the hosts. They were under the pump at the start but courtesy of their spinners they managed to pull things back in the middle. Hamish Bennett went for 40 runs in his first two overs but then came back and gave away just 14 runs and picked up 3 off his last 2 overs. Ish Sodhi was economical, going for under 6 rpo. Kuggeleijn gave just 10 from his two. Santner and de Grandhomme got one wicket each. Southee was good throughout but 18 runs of his final over spoiled his figures.
After being put into bat, India started off in a blistering fashion as Rohit went bonkers at the start. He was well supported by Rahul who also took on the bowlers. The pair added 89 runs for the opening wicket in just 9 overs with Rohit Sharma scoring his 20th T20I fifty. It looked like India will score at least 200 but the wicket of Rahul saw India lose their way. Rohit soon followed his opening partner and Dube who was promoted to number 3 also failed to make a mark. Shreyas Iyer struggled tonight as well but the innings from Kohli followed by cameos from Manish Pandey and Ravindra Jadeja saw them finish off with momentum.
37 runs off the final three overs has seen India reach close to 180 but one will feel that New Zealand have done extremely well to make a comeback in this game.
19.6
1b
Outside off, Jadeja swings his bat but misses. Pandey is quick to come out of his crease from the non-striker's end and they steal a leg bye. INDIA FINISH OFF WITH 179/5!
19.5
6
SIX! Good length delivery outside off, Jadeja makes the most of the life he got as Santner dropped him on the previous ball and smokes it over the cover fence for a biggie.
19.4
2
DROPPED! Santner has put down a relatively tough chance but a simple one according to his standards. Good length ball on middle, Jadeja looks to pull but mistimes it. The ball goes towards deep mid-wicket, Santner comes running in and gets his hands to it but fails to hold onto it.
19.3
1
Full outside off, Pandey strokes it towards cover and gets a single.
19.3
1wd
WIDE! Southee misses his line with the slower one this time. He ends up bowling it well outside off, on the wrong side of the tramline and it has been wided.
19.2
6
SIX! Super shot from Manish Pandey. Knuckle ball from Southee but it is overpitched on off, Manish clears his front leg and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.
19.1
1
Length ball on off, Jadeja plays it towards point and gets a single.
In over# 1
1
0W
2
2
1
4
Hamish Bennett 54/3(4)
18.6
1
Shorter on off, Jadeja pulls it and gets a single to end the over. 10 runs off the penultimate over.
Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in.
18.5
W
OUT! Caught! Slower ball does the trick once again for Bennett. It is a knuckle ball from Hamish. It is wide outside off, making Virat stretch out for it. Kohli looks to flat-bat it over covers but cannot time it and elevate it. The ball falls on its way to the fielder. Southee there tumbles forward and takes a very good catch.
18.4
2
Outside off, Kohli pulls it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a couple as the fielder from long on cleans it.
18.3
2
Good length delivery on off, Kohli pulls it right between deep mid-wicket and long on for a couple.
18.2
1
Length delivery closer to the off stump this time. Pandey guides it to point and gets a single.
18.1
4
FOUR! Wide and punished. Good length ball well outside off, Manish gets on his back foot and punches it through covers for a boundary. Very good start to the over for India.
Hamish Bennett is back for his final over.
In over# 1
1
1wd
1
2
1
1
2
Tim Southee 22/0(3)
17.6
1
Short of a length ball outside off, Pandey pushes it down to long off for a single.
17.6
1wd
WIDE! Length ball way outside off, Pandey leaves it alone and the umpire signals it a wide.
17.5
1
Length ball on the pads, Kohli tucks it to the leg side for a single.
17.4
2
Full toss on middle, Kohli misses out as he just flicks it to deep mid-wicket for just a couple.
17.3
1
Length ball on off, Pandey pushes it to long off to get off the mark.
17.2
1
Almost chopped onto the stumps! Kohli is really lucky here! Good length ball on the pads, Kohli makes room to cut but it hits the inside edge, hitting the body and rolls just past the off stump. It could have been easily gone to hit the stumps.
17.1
2
Good length ball on the pads, Kohli works it to fine leg and takes a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.
So the signal from Kohli was for something else as Manish Pandey is the new man in. Tim Southee is back on.
In over# 1
0W
1
1
2
6
1
Mitchell Santner 37/1(4)
16.6
W
OUT! Stumped! Iyer was struggling and his struggles have come to an end. Shreyas won the battle by hitting a six off the over but it is Santner who wins the war. Shreyas wanted to take off the pressure and free his arms. Santner bowls it slower through the air on leg. Shreyas makes room and looks to go inside out as he comes out of his crease. He misses and Seifert behind the stumps has an easy work to do. He whips the bails off and the square leg umpire does not even need to go upstairs as Shreyas is miles away. The slow but steady stand where Iyer was the second fiddle comes to an end.
16.5
1
On the pads, VK flicks it to mid-wicket and rotates the strike.
Virat Kohli signals to the dressing room. Maybe an indication he wants Jadeja at number 7.
16.4
1
Flatter outside off, Shreyas plays it down to third man for a single.
16.3
2
Edged but safe. Flatter and quicker on leg, Iyer makes room and looks to go downtown again but this time he gets a thick outside edge which goes towards third man for a couple.
16.2
6
SIX! Wow, what a shot that is. Floated on middle, Iyer makes room and hammers it over the long off region for a massive biggie. This is an out-of-jail shot for the Mumbaikar.
16.1
1
Short ball on middle, Kohli pulls it to long on for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
0
0
Ish Sodhi 23/0(4)
15.6
1
End of a very good over and spell from Sodhi. Just 4 off his final over. Floated on middle, Virat milks it to long on and gets a single. He finishes with figures of 4-0-23-0!
15.5
1
Flatter outside off, Shreyas cuts it to deep point for a single.
15.4
1
Short once again from Ish. It is pulled to deep mid-wicket for one by Virat.
15.3
1
Now Iyer manages to get his cut past Munro but there is protection in the deep so just a single.
15.2
.
Once again super effort from Munro. He is saving runs for his side. Short outside off, Iyer cuts it but once again Munro dives and saves another boundary.
15.1
.
Leg spinner slightly short outside off, Iyer cuts it hard but Munro at point gets down to his right and saves a certain boundary.
In over# 1
4
1
0
1
6
1
Mitchell Santner 26/0(3)
14.6
4
FOUR! Full toss and it is put away with ease. Full toss on middle, Kohli whips it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Kohli is not happy as he wanted a six.
14.5
1
Short ball outside off, Iyer cuts it to deep point for a single.
14.4
.
Floated on middle, Iyer blocks it out.
14.3
1
Floated on middle, Kohli works it to the leg side for a single.
14.2
6
SIX! This is excellent batting! Kohli loves playing that shot. Floated ball on off, Kohli lunges and plays a lofted extra cover drive for a biggie.
14.1
1
Floated on off, Iyer pushes it to the off side for a single.
Mitchell Santner is back on. 2-0-13-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
0
1
1
0
4
Ish Sodhi 18/0(3)
13.6
2
Short outside off, Kohli cuts it through point and gets a couple to end the over. 8 off Ish's over.
13.5
.
Floated on off, Kohli taps it back to the bowler.
13.4
1
Tossed up on off, Shreyas defends it with soft hands towards cover for one.
13.3
1
Tossed up on middle and off, Virat looks to slash it down the ground in his trademark style but ends up getting an inside edge which goes towards fine leg for one.
13.2
.
Shorter on off, Kohli punches it to the off side.
13.1
4
FOUR! Poor ball but also very well played by Kohli. Floated on the pads, Virat gets down on one knee and paddles it fine down the leg side for a boundary. The fielder in the deep gives it a valiant chase but comes second best.
In over# 1
1
1
1
2
1
1lb
Colin de Grandhomme 13/1(2)
12.6
1
Poor from de Grandhomme. Should have stopped that. Full on middle, Kohli drives it back to the right of the bowler. De Grandhomme fails to hold onto it and ends up deflecting it to mid on for one. Nonetheless, a good over from CdG, just 7 off the over.
12.5
1
On off, Iyer strokes it towards long off and gets to the other end.
12.4
1
Length ball outside off, VK plays it to point and rotates the strike.
12.3
2
Good shot but Taylor cleans it up. Full outside off, Virat drives it beautifully through covers. Ross Taylor at sweeper cover runs to his right and sweeps it up. Two taken.
12.2
1
Good running from Iyer. Good length ball on off, Iyer defends it to the leg side of the pitch and calls for one straightaway. His skipper is a fit man so they get it without breaking a sweat.
12.1
1lb
On the pads, Kohli looks to flick but misses. The ball kisses his thigh pad and goes down the leg side. They take a leg bye.
Colin de Grandhomme is back on! 1-0-7-1, his figures so far. He picked up the big wicket of KL Rahul in his first over. Can he pick up a few more?
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
1
Ish Sodhi 11/0(2)
11.6
1
Loopy delivery outside off, Kohli drives it to long off for a single.
11.5
.
Shorter in length outside off, Kohli punches it off the back foot towards cover.
11.4
.
Looped up ball on off, Kohli defends it to cover.
11.3
1
Floated on off, Iyer prods forward and defends it to cover. He gets off the mark with a single.
11.2
.
Flatter delivery outside off, Iyer punches it to cover.
11.1
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Kohli drives it to long on for a single.
Shreyas Iyer is the new man in. Ish Sodhi is back on as well.
In over# 1
0W
2
0W
0
1
1
Hamish Bennett 44/2(3)
10.6
W
OUT! Caught! Dube fails to make the most of his opportunity. Double strike for Bennett and he has turned the game here. Shivam was struggling to get his timing right and he succumbs under pressure. Bennett bangs it in short outside off, Dube looks to play the upper cut but just like the story of his short stay tonight, he does not time it well and ends up chipping it to the right of third man. Ish Sodhi there takes a simple catch and the tourists have lost 3 wickets in 2 overs for just 7 runs.
10.5
2
Good length ball on off, Dube pulls it but does not time it well. The ball still manages to go over mid-wicket and the batters get a couple.
Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper is the new man in, replacing Rohit Sharma.
10.4
W
OUT! Caught! Rohit holes out. The brake in run flow might have put the pressure on Rohit. The slower ball does the trick and the dangerous Rohit Sharma is back in the hut. Bennett has had a tough time with the ball so far but finally he has something to cheer. Bennett rolls his finger on this one and bowls it full on off. Rohit looks to go downtown but one of his hands comes out of the bat's handle and he ends up hitting it high in the air straight towards long on. Southee there takes a sitter. Both the openers back to the dressing room and New Zealand are making a comeback here.
10.3
.
Slower ball, bowled at 117 kph. It is full outside off, Rohit taps it to point.
10.2
1
Finally Dube gets off the mark. Good length delivery around off, Shivam runs it down to third man and gets his first single.
10.1
1
Full around off, Rohit drives it through extra cover for a single.
Hamish Bennett is back on. 2-0-40-0 are his figures. Very expensive.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
1lb
1
Scott Kuggeleijn 10/0(2)
9.6
.
Almost a disaster. Full on middle, Dube pushes it towards mid on. Rohit wants a single but Shivam does not. He is quick to send him back and hence no casualty.
9.5
.
Another pacy delivery and once again Dube fails to connect. Back of a length delivery outside off, it zooms off the surface. Dube looks to play the upper cut but misses.
9.4
.
Good bowling this. Dube under a bit of pressure by the look of it. Good length delivery just outside off, Shivam looks to run it down the off side but misses. That was just above the outside edge.
9.3
1
On the pads, RS turns it to the leg side and rotates the strike.
9.2
1lb
Good ball and good running as well. On the pads and pacy. Dube looks to defend but gets beaten by the pace of it. It hits him on the pads and the ball rolls to the off side of the pitch. Rohit calls for a quick run and gets it with ease. Leg bye stolen.
9.1
1
Good length ball outside off, Rohit dabs it towards third man and gets a single as Bennett does really well to stop the ball before the fence with a dive to his left.
Also, Scott Kuggeleijn is back into the attack. 1-0-8-0 are his figures so far.
Shivam Dube walks out at number 3. Interesting move from India.
In over# 1
0W
1
4
0
1
1
Colin de Grandhomme 7/1(1)
8.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! De Grandhomme strikes in his first over and it is the man in form, KL Rahul. This is a timely wicket for New Zealand as the openers were racing away with the game. Short of a length delivery outside off, Rahul cuts but finds Munro with perfection at point. Rahul walks back dejected to the pavilion.
8.5
1
Full delivery on off, Sharma pushes it to cover for a single.
8.4
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Short ball outside off, Sharma looks to cut but it takes the outside edge and goes past the short third man fielder for a boundary.
8.3
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
8.2
1
Full delivery on middle, Rahul pushes it down to long on for a single.
8.1
1
Short ball outside off, Rohit punches it to deep cover and takes a single.
Colin de Grandhomme is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
0
2
1
1
0
Mitchell Santner 13/0(2)
7.6
1
Flatter delivery on off, swept towards mid-wicket and the batters take a single to end the over.
7.5
.
Tossed up on off, RS defends it this time.
7.4
2
Another one which is flatter and around off, Sharma looks to sweep again but the ball goes off the top edge past Seifert and the batters take a couple.
7.3
1
Short around off, Rahul dabs it to third man for one.
7.2
1
Floated delivery on middle and off again, this time Sharma gets down on one knee and plays this one uppishly towards the square leg fielder. Martin Guptill comes charging in for the catch but the ball lands just short. But he does exceedingly well to keep the batsmen to a single.
7.1
.
Tossed up on middle, Rohit tucks it to the leg side. Does not get a single this time.
Mitchell Santner is back. 1-0-8-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
1
1
1
0
1
Ish Sodhi 8/0(1)
6.6
4
FOUR! Rahul now joins the party. Spoils the over for Ish Sodhi. Tossed up on off, Rahul hangs back and smashes it over the bowler's head. It bounces just before the ropes and goes away for a boundary.
6.5
1
Tossed up on middle and off, Rohit strokes it to long on and rotates the strike.
6.4
1
Flighted on off, Rahul milks it through mid off for another run.
6.3
1
Slower through the air on middle, Rohit tucks it against the spin to the leg side for a single.
6.2
.
Shorter delivery around off, Rohit cuts it but finds point.
6.1
1
Sodhi starts with a floated delivery on middle and leg, Rahul whips it towards mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
6
4
4
6
6
1
Hamish Bennett 40/0(2)
5.6
6
SIX! 20TH T20I fifty for Sharma. Brilliant shot! Full delivery on middle, Sharma lifts it over the bowler's head for a maximum. It has just come off 23 balls. Can he continue on to score a ton here?
5.5
4
FOUR! Another one! Sharma is looking in excellent touch out! Has raced to 44 off just 22 balls. Very full delivery outside off, Sharma drives it through the cover region for a boundary.
5.4
4
FOUR! Slashes away nicely! Short ball outside off, Sharma cuts it over the point fielder for a boundary.
5.3
6
SIX! Bang! 50-run stand is up between the two. Excellent start again. Full delivery on off, Sharma lifts it over long off for a maximum.
5.2
6
SIX! Hammered! Short ball on middle, Sharma pulls it with disdain over the mid-wicket region for a biggie.
5.1
1
Full toss on middle, Rahul works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Hamish Bennett is back on.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
0
4
Mitchell Santner 8/0(1)
4.6
1
Drifted on off, Rahul glances it towards mid-wicket for a run. Good start from Santner.
4.5
1
On the pads and quicker Rohit flicks it to the leg side for a single.
4.4
1
Short again from Santner. It is dabbed down towards third man for a single.
4.3
1
Shorter outside off, Rohit dabs it wide of first slip. Sodhi slides and pulls it back from short third man and keeps it down to one.
4.2
.
Beautiful delivery from Santner. Gives this one more air than the last one. It turns away off the surface. Rohit looks to defend but misses.
4.1
4
FOUR! Just past the sliding fielder at point. Santner starts with a flighted delivery, which is slower through the air. It is outside off, Rohit gets on his back foot and punches it wide of the sliding fielder at point and gets a boundary.
Spin time! Mitchell Santner is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
4
1
Scott Kuggeleijn 8/0(1)
3.6
1
Cross-seam delivery on off. It is on a length, Rohit looks to pull but the ball goes off the lower half of his bat towards mid-wicket for a single. 8 off the over from Kuggeleijn but a very good one from Scott. Troubled both the batters in his first.
3.5
1
Outside off, Rahul runs it down to third man for a run.
3.4
.
Back of a length on off, Rahul defends it off his back foot.
3.3
1
Now Rohit intentionally dabs it towards third man and gets a single.
3.2
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Beautiful delivery from Kuggeleijn. Good length delivery around off, it swings away a bit and also bounces off the surface. Rohit looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes through the vacant slip cordon towards third man for a boundary.
3.1
1
Kuggleijn starts with a back of a length delivery on the body. It zips off the surface, Rahul looks to pull but that extra bounce makes him play at it awkwardly. He still manages to hit it towards square leg for a single.
Scott Kuggeleijn is into the attack now. So just one over for Bennett first up.
In over# 1
1
4
1
2
1
0
Tim Southee 13/0(2)
2.6
1
Good length ball on middle, Rahul tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
2.5
4
FOUR! Clever from KL Rahul! This is brilliant batting! Short of a length ball around middle, Rahul plays the upper cut over the keeper's head for a boundary.
2.4
1
Length ball on off, Sharma comes down the pitch and defends it to cover for a single.
2.3
2
Well fielded and a good throw as well. Short of a length ball outside off, Sharma cuts it to deep point. Santner runs across and slides to make an excellent stop. He throws it back to the keeper but it is wide and Rohit makes it back for the second.
2.2
1
Short of a length ball on off, Rahul punches it to deep cover for a single.
2.1
.
Southee bowls a good length ball on off, Rahul pushes it to the point fielder.
In over# 1
2
2
1
6
1
1
Hamish Bennett 13/0(1)
1.6
2
Pull shot from Rohit but hardly times it. Good length delivery outside off, Rohit is a bit early in his pull. He still manages to go over mid on and get a couple as the fielder cleans it up. Expensive start for Bennett, 13 from his first.
1.5
2
Good fielding from Munro. Saves a couple for his side. Bennett is lucky to escape that. It is a poor delivery outside off, Rohit slashes it over backward point. Munro runs to his left from sweeper cover and manages to save it before the ropes with a slide.
1.4
1
Good length ball on off, Rahul follows the boundary with a single to the leg side with a gentle tuck.
1.3
6
SIX! First maximum of the day and it has taken KL Rahul just two deliveries to get it. This man is very talented but now he is converting that into runs as well. Shorter in length outside off, the ball comes nicely onto Rahul's bat. He slashes at it and the ball goes well over the third man fence for a biggie.
1.2
1
A bit of extra bounce on this one. It is on a length outside off, it shoots up off the surface. Rohit manages to guide it to the right of third man and gets a single.
1.1
1
The man in form, KL Rahul is off the mark straightaway. Bennett starts with a back of a length delivery around off, Rahul dabs it towards third man and gets a single.
Hamish Bennett will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Tim Southee 4/0(1)
0.6
.
Just the boundary off the over. Good start by Southee. The last delivery is outside off on a length. Asking Rohit to drive but he is in no hurry and lets it carry to the keeper.
0.5
.
Around off on a length, Rohit cuts it but this time finds point.
0.4
.
Now Southee goes closer to the off pole. Rohit calmly blocks it after getting a boundary of the last delivery.
0.3
4
FOUR! Rohit and India are off the mark with bang. The length is not bad from Southee but the line is a bit of a problem here. It is on the good length area but it is well outside off, Sharma gets on his back foot and cuts it powerfully through point for a boundary.
0.2
.
Once again Southee bowls it on a length on off. This one swings away a bit. Rohit defends it towards cover and looks for a single but Rahul sends him back. Good call as there was never a run there.
0.1
.
Southee starts right on the money. Little inswing on the first ball. It is on a length ball on off, Rohit tucks it towards mid-wicket.
False start for Southee first up.
We are all set for the action to begin. Indian openers, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma stride out to the middle to open the innings. The New Zealand players are out on the field. Tim Southee to start the proceedings with the new ball. Rohit will take strike. A wide slip in place first up.
Indian all-rounder, Sivam Dube is caught down for a quick chat with Scott Styris. Shivam Dube says that it feels good to be part of the Indian team and is happy to be part of the side away from home. Dube is sure that he can perform together with Hardik Pandya and tells it is good for the side to have two all-rounders. Tells they are not thinking of the World Cup, says they are just focused on improving and growing.
India (Playing XI) (UNCHANGED) - Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (WK), Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami.
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Tim Seifert (WK), Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Scott Kuggeleijn (IN for Blair Tickner), Hamish Bennett.
Indian skipper, Virat Kohli says they are playing on this wicket after a long time. Tells there is good hard track with little bit of grass underneath. Says they are just looking to carry forward the performance and the momentum and tells that is the attitude they want to carry and that's the focus and not other things. Informs they are unchanged from the last game as he believes there is no reason to change the winning combination.
New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson says that it is a new surface and hopes to get something out of it. The plan is to take them a little further and tells it is a challenge against a strong Indian side. Says there is a change as Tickner is out and Kuggeleijn replaces him. Says they both have similar features with the ball but tells Kuggeleijn is a better batsman.
Toss - We are all in readiness for the spin of coin. New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson has the coin in hand. Indian skipper, Virat Kohli calls Tails but it comes down as Heads. NEW ZEALAND OPT TO BOWL!
2 games and 2 comprehensive wins for the Men in Blue. The T20I series leg now moves to Hamilton. The Kiwis desperately need to bounce back from their demoralizing defeats to keep the series alive. Williamson and co. need to find some source of inspiration. Virat Kohli and his troops' preparation for the T20 World Cup later in the year is well on course and they will look to wrap the series up in this game itself. It will be interesting to see whether they tinker with their winning combination in this game. Will New Zealand finally bounce back or will India continue to decimate the Kiwis? Stay tuned to find out as the toss is not far away.
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