India won the low-scoring second T20I by six wickets to level the series 1-1.
On a track where there was a lot of assistance for the spinners, the Kiwis posted a paltry 99/8 on the board after opting to bat first. Skipper Mitchell Santner was the top scorer with 19.
In reply, the Men in Blue found themselves in a spot of bother at 70/4 but the duo of Suryakumar Yadav (26*) and Hardik Pandya (15*) stitched an unbeaten 31-run stand to take the hosts over the finishing line with one ball to spare.
While most of the cricket pundits were highly critical of the pitch served for the second T20I, India all-rounder Washington Sundar said that the pitch conditions in Lucknow were very exciting.
“All of us have been on our toes and I'm sure everyone in the stadium and people watching on TV as well, and you guys (commentators) as well would have been on toes, hoping that India would get through the line quite easily. It was very exciting (the conditions),” said Sundar while speaking after the match.
“Lots of teams are very well equipped, they all come with quite a few fast bowlers and spinners as well. 2/3 out of 10-11 games like these would be amazing and it's again a skill as to how well you play spin and get through the game. It's exciting and we are all happy that we won the game,” he added.
Sundar further said that it was important for Suryakumar Yadav to stay until the end and guide India to victory. The southpaw was involved in a mix-up with Suryakumar, which resulted in him being run-out.
“It was very important for him (SKY) to stay till the end and certain things like that happen in a game. Especially when things get quite tough in the middle, one misjudgement happens,” said Sundar.
With this victory, India levelled the three-match series 1-1. Ahmedabad will host the third and final T20I on Wednesday (February 1).