Following India’s win against New Zealand in the first T20I at Jaipur, off-spinner R Ashwin said that bowling slow on the wicket did the trick for him.
India defeated New Zealand by 5-wickets in nail-biting first T20I to take a lead of 1-0 in the three-match series. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Rohit Sharma-led side had a perfect start as Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed in-form Daryl Mitchell for a golden duck.
Then the duo of Mark Chapman (63) and Martin Guptill (70) took Indian bowlers to the cleaners and stitched a 109 runs partnership for the second wicket.
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Just when it looked like New Zealand was all set for the big total, R Ashwin was brought into the attack and sent Mark Chapman back to the dugout with a peach of a delivery. If this was not enough, he then trapped Glenn Phillips in LBW in the same over to finish with the figures of 2/23 as the Black Caps posted a total of 164 runs on the board.
Chasing the target, India was cruising at 144/2 at one stage. However, quick wickets at the back end brought New Zealand back into the game. With 10 runs needed off the last over, Rishabh Pant held his nerve and took his side home with 2 balls to spare.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, R Ashwin said that bowling slow on the pitch did the trick for him against New Zealand.
"The slower you bowled, there was more purchase you got on this pitch. If you hit the seam and tossed it up, it did do things as Santner showed in the second innings," R Ashwin said.
Ashwin admitted that the target was under-par and they should have chased it inside 15 overs.
"It was a slightly under-par score and we thought 170-180 would be par. We thought we would cruise home around the 15th over, but that's T20 cricket for you," he said.
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R Ashwin further said although it’s too early for him to comment on Rahul Dravid’s coaching style, but pointed out that the former Indian cricketer will be all about preparation and process so that they can bring happiness back in the Indian dressing room.
"It's too early for me to comment on Rahul Dravid's coaching style, but he's put the hard yards in through the U-19 level etc. He won't leave much to chance, and he'll be all about preparation and process so that we can bring the happiness back into the Indian dressing room," he said.
The second T20I between the teams will be played on 19th November in Ranchi.
(ANI inputs)
