India coped a series-conceding 22-run defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday (February 8).
See More: Cricket fraternity reacts as New Zealand beats India in Auckland to seal the ODI series
Sent into bat, the hosts rode on measured knocks from Martin Guptill (79 off 79 balls) and Ross Taylor (73* of 74 balls) to post 273/8 in 50 overs. For India, wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was the stand-out bowler, claiming 3 for 58 in his stipulated 10 overs.
Defending the total, the Kiwis bundled out the visitors for 251 in 48.3 overs. India’s top-order failed miserably as Shreyas Iyer (52 off 57 balls) was the only notable contributor. Although Ravindra Jadeja (55 off 73 balls) and Navdeep Saini (45 of 49 balls) played handy innings in the later stage, it was not enough for the Men in Blue to cross the finishing line.
Addressing the media after the match, Saini rued his dismissal at a crucial juncture which resulted in team's series-conceding loss.
"I will regret when I go back and see the video. If I hadn't got out, maybe the result could have been different. Will regret that I took it so close and maybe could have gotten closer," Saini told reporters.
"We felt the wicket was flat and if we could stay till the end, the match could go close. So we were trying to contribute as much as possible and take the match to the end. Jadeja had told me that if you get a boundary ball hit it. Otherwise, take singles or doubles, try to keep patience and we can take the game to the end," he added.
Talking about his 76-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Jadeja, Saini said it is important for the lower order to contribute runs for the team's cause.
"It is a good thing that the lower order is performing like this. If everyone performs, it is called a team effort. If batsmen cannot score, bowlers should. If bowlers are not taking wickets, fielders should help. It is a team, after all.
"I was thinking that I got to bat after a long time. As soon as I hit the boundary, I was in shock. Wow, the ball is coming really well off my bat, I thought. Among the support staff, Raghu (throw down specialist) helps me with batting and is always encouraging me to do well. Even in hotel, he keeps telling me that I bat well and should do better. He keeps motivating me and always talks about my batting," he said.
India had reduced New Zealand to 197-8 at one stage. But debutant Kyle Jamieson shared an unbroken 76-run stand off 51 balls to take the hosts to a highly competitive score.
"You feel bad that you lose the series obviously, but we will learn from our mistakes. Winning or losing doesn't matter much but our performances should get better," Saini concluded.
The third and final ODI will be played at Mt. Maunganui on Tuesday (February 11).
(With PTI inputs)
