NZ v IND 2019: Leaking runs in the middle overs proved costly for us, says Krunal Pandya

New Zealand outclassed India by 80 runs in the Wellington T20I.

New Zealand thoroughly dominated the first T20I against India | Getty

New Zealand outclassed India by 80 runs in the first T20I at Westpac Stadium, Wellington to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

After being put into bat, the Kiwis got off to a flier as openers Tim Seifert (84) and Colin Munro (34) put on 86 runs for the first wicket in just 8.2 overs. Thanks to a couple of cameos at the fag end of the innings from Ross Taylor (23 off 14 balls) and Scott Kuggeleijn (20 off 7 balls), the hosts eventually posted a mammoth 219/9 in their 20 overs.

In reply, the Men in Blue were equally disappointed with the bat. Veteran wicketkeeper batsman MS Dhoni top-scored with 39 runs off 31 balls as the visitors got bundled out for 139 in 19.2 overs.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, India all-rounder Krunal Pandya said that conceding runs in the middle overs proved costly for them.

“In the Powerplay as well as in the middle overs also, we gave away plenty of runs,” Krunal said.

“Yes, obviously I guess, when you are chasing 218 (220), it’s not that easy. Initially, we gave away (too many) runs and kept on leaking runs in the middle overs as well. So no matter how the pitch was, the scoreboard pressure was obviously there,” he added.

As per Krunal, it was a combination of poor bowling and great batting by New Zealand that led to India’s defeat.

“They batted really well and we bowled a few loose deliveries as well. So it was a combination of both,” he explained.

While Indian bowlers were facing the heat, the fielding was not up to the mark as well.

When asked if wind and cold conditions posed a problem while fielding, Krunal said, “No not that much. It was fine. In fact, it was good weather to play. As far as the wind is concerned, it wasn’t difficult to catch the ball so I guess it was absolutely fine.”

“Dropping catches is a part and parcel of the game. One day you might take a blinder like Siraj and then another day two catches (Dhoni and Karthik) get dropped as well. It’s just that you have to learn from every game,” he further remarked.

Krunal was also hopeful of India’s comeback in the second T20I at Auckland.

“We have all the required ingredients of a good team. Batting depth, multiple bowling options. Just that it was one of the bad days. We have to now rectify ourselves and not repeat the same mistakes in the next game,” he concluded.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 07 Feb, 2019

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