New Zealand’s stand-in captain Tim Southee was disappointed in the way BlackCaps’ batters performed in the third and final T20I against India which was played at McLean Park in Napier. The match couldn’t be finished as rains came down during India’s chase and it was declared a tie via DLS method.
Southee had won the toss and chosen to bat first. Despite a good platform being laid by Devon Conway (59) and Glenn Phillips (54), New Zealand failed to accelerate in the end and eventually were bowled out for 160 runs.
Mohammed Siraj (4/17) and Arshdeep Singh (4/37) both picked their career-best T20I hauls.
In reply, New Zealand started off well, removing the openers Ishan Kishan (10) and Rishabh Pant (11) early and even got Shreyas Iyer out for a golden duck. But then Suryakumar (13) and Hardik Pandya (30*) rebuild the innings and kept India at par with the DLS score.
When the rains finally arrived, India was 75/4 in 9 overs which was the par DLS score. Though the downpour halted for a bit and umpires came out for inspection, it began raining again and the match was declared a tie via the DLS method.
This gave India the series 1-0 as they had won the second match in Mount Maunganui by 65 runs.
After the match, Tim Southee lamented the batting performance by New Zealand.
He said: “It was disappointing even with the bat. We spoke about getting out there and and giving everything we could, take early wickets. We knew if we can get those wickets, anything could happen, but unfortunately the weather came in. You don't know until both sides batted on it, would have been an interesting game but hasn't gone the full tilt.
Little bit of uncertainty around the scoreboard whether it was a tie when the rain came in. Could have gone either way, the way we attacked with the ball and to put them under pressure was pleasing. Nice to be back in some ODI cricket against a quality side like India. Hoping for a good crowd in Auckland.”
The two teams will now clash in the first of the three ODIs at Eden Park on November 25.
(Prime Video inputs)
