IND vs NZ 2021, 2nd T20I, Ranchi: After an emphatic victory at Jaipur, Men in Blue impressed everyone with an all-around effort to seal the three-match series against the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 runners up.
The toss luck is with Rohit Sharma with yet another toss win. Electing to bowl first, India wrapped up New Zealand’s innings on just 153 runs.
Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell were in attack right from the start. Their partnership of 48 runs in just 4.2 overs gave an electric start to their team. After which Deepak Chahar struck to dismiss Guptill.
The arrival of Mark Chapman was also not a good sign for India as he too was looking solid. However, His departure marked the comeback for Men in Blue.
The Patel Duo was outstanding with the ball. With Harshal taking two wickets and giving 25 runs was awarded the Player of the Match. While Axar helped India gain momentum bowling a quiet spell in the middle overs picking up Mark Chapman.
The visitors were hoping for an illusionary push from their lower end, which never came. Neesham in particular, batting with a strike rate of 25. The likes of Tim Seifert, Mitchell Santner, and Adam Milne too did not help.
Every Indian bowler got at least one wicket. Apart from Axar, Ashwin proved to be a nightmare for New Zealand to hit against. Heled the middle overs with Axar to basically give Kiwis nothing. Both pace bowlers were expensive but bowled decent spells.
India just like New Zealand started their innings with a boundary. It was then a run-fest. Although New Zealand were bowling according to the plan, Indian openers were on another level.
Another century opening stand for India. Rahul(65) started the firework first to complete fifty runs with a six in just 40 balls. Rohit Sharma(55) converted his half-century not far behind. He also reached his fifty with a six pulling the ball over the fine-leg. Both batters were dismissed in quick succession.
The skipper, Tim Southee, led from the front with three wickets and only gave 16 runs. As seen from the first innings it was a pitch that favors pace bowlers. It was certainly the case for the Kiwis, except Southee.
Iyer batted till the last and Pant finished with two sixes in two balls giving India victory by 7 wickets with 2.4 overs to spare. Taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, Rohit Sharma starts his captaincy campaign in revel.
