The fifth match of the five-match series between New Zealand and India saw some brilliant comeback from the home side, as they managed to keep the Indian batting side to a relatively below-par total. Ross Taylor became the third male player to feature in 100 T20I matches.
Virat Kohli was rested for this game and Rohit captained the side in his stead. Sanju Samson got another chance and wasted it again, scoring just 2 runs. Meanwhile, KL made 45 and Rohit made 60 (retired hurt) in 41 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes. In the end, Shreyas Iyer’s 33* and Pandey’s 11* took India to 163/3.
India got a good start with Guptill falling for 2 and Munro making only 15. Tom Bruce got run out for a duck, but Seifert and Ross Taylor took the game by the horns against Indian bowlers. The last match, the Indian fielders dropped catches and missed chances as well, but this time, we saw one of the best fielding displays on the boundary by Sanju Samson.
On the last ball of the 8th over, Taylor slammed Shardul to the leg side, albeit not timing the shot. Samson, who was stationed there, dived to catch the ball but knew he was going over the boundary and had the presence of mind to flick the ball into play between his legs, to save four runs for his team and was applauded by his teammates and commentators on air.
Here is the video:
