New Zealand’s innings folded a paltry 108 in the second ODI.
Invited to bat first, New Zealand’s innings folded a paltry 108 in 34.3 overs. It was a listless batting display from the Kiwis as no one even managed to score a half-century. Glenn Phillips was the top scorer with 36.
All the Indian bowlers were among the wickets. While Mohammad Shami (3-18) returned with three wickets, Hardik Pandya (2-16) and Washington Sundar (2-7) claimed two wickets scalps each. The remaining three wickets were shared by Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav and Shardul Thakur.
Speaking after the game, New Zealand skipper Tom Latham acknowledged that the relentlessness of Shami and Siraj in their lines and lengths was the main cause of their back-to-back batting failure in the ODI series.
“Anytime that Siraj and Shami are in the side – they’re obviously quality bowlers and as I said they were both relentless in terms of the lines and lengths they bowled and they gave us nothing to score from.
“Fortunately for them, it was their day and unfortunately for us, we weren’t able to absorb enough pressure and put that back on them,” said Latham in the post-match press conference.
“When you get bowled out for just over a 100 obviously makes things pretty difficult. Unfortunately it was just one of those days where everything India did turned their way and that’s the game of cricket we play. Fingers crossed that we can turn things around in the next game.”
Talking about the mindset of batters after being asked to bat first, Latham said: “I think just build partnerships. That’s something we pride ourselves on as a batting unit – building partnerships and obviously at the top, we weren’t able to do that.”
“Mitch (Santner) and Michael Bracewell managed to build a little partnership, and then Glenn (Phillips) and Santner did the same but as I said when you’re bowled out for a hundred, it’s tough to come back from there,” he added.
When the tourists were reeling at 15/5, Michael Bracewell once again tried to take on the Indian bowlers but he couldn’t succeed this time around. However, his style of play left the captain impressed.
“Everyone has their plans and the approach they would like to go with and obviously Brace is an attacking player. He plays at his best when he takes the game on and for him he obviously thought that was the best option in terms of how to play.
“The way he came out and the intent he showed was outstanding. So, for us, I’m sure he would have liked to go a little bit longer. But, as I said, everyone has got their own plans and the approaches they like to play with.
“For us, it’s just about trying to adapt to conditions as quick as possible. We got another opportunity in a couple of days’ time. Hopefully, we can adapt as quick as possible,” he concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)