NZ v IND 2019: Rohit Sharma elated after India’s clinical showing in the second T20I

Team India made a stellar come back after a humiliating defeat in the first T20I.

Rohit Sharma scored a swashbuckling fifty in the second T20I against New Zealand | Getty

Team India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I at Eden Park to level the three-match series 1-1 on Friday.

Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to bat first. Riding on Colin de Grandhomme’s 50 and Ross Taylor’s 42, the hosts posted 158/8 in their 20 overs. Krunal Pandya was the stand-out bowler for India, claiming three wickets for 28 runs in his 4 overs.

In reply, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma got India off to a flier with a blazing 29-ball 50 (3 fours and 4 sixes). Later, Rishabh Pant scored an unbeaten 40 and MS Dhoni remained not out on 20 as the visitors chased down the target with seven balls to spare.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Rohit said: “Very pleased to see how we bowled, and we were quite clinical with the bat as well. We have quality in our side, but we executed our plans better today, after learning from our mistakes.”

“It's important to understand the mistakes that we made - it's been a long tour for everyone. So we didn't want to put a lot of pressure on the boys, just go in there with a clear mind,” he added.

The series-deciding third T20I will take place on Sunday and the Indian captain is very excited about it.

“It's going to be a cracker of a game in the 3rd T20I, but nothing to take away from New Zealand, they're still a quality side,” Rohit concluded.

Reflecting on the defeat, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson said that his side was at least 20 runs short.

“I suppose the performance in Wellington was going to be difficult to replicate. We missed a trick or two with the bat. It was slightly more tricky to bat, but 20 more runs at the death would have been better. It wasn’t a 180-200 wicket for sure, but the opening partnership from India just took it away,” Williamson quoted at the post-match presentation.

“It’s important that as a side we are aware of the good bits we have done and put that into practice every time we come out to bat. Today it wasn’t our day, to be honest. Today wasn’t as close as we would have liked, but having a full house like Eden Park, there isn’t any better atmosphere in the world,” he further added.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 08 Feb, 2019

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