India’s T20I skipper Rohit Sharma on Friday (November 19) heaped praise on Harshal Patel as the pacer produced Player-of-the-Match performance in his debut T20I match against New Zealand at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi.
Harshal claimed two wickets by conceding 25 runs in his four overs while the spin duo of R Ashwin (1-19) and Akshar Patel (1-26) returned with impressive figures as India restricted the visitors to 153/6 in 20 overs.
In reply, KL Rahul (65) and Rohit (55) slammed half-centuries to take the hosts over the line with seven wickets in hand and 16 balls to spare.
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"Great effort from the entire unit. Wasn't the easiest of conditions but the way we applied ourselves was amazing. We know their quality of batting, they played some good shots to start with. But I kept telling the boys that it is all about one wicket. But we showed great application and temperament to restrict them. The quality of the bench has been amazing. They have been performing consistently whenever they get the chance. It is important for me to give them freedom. The external matters will take care of themselves. It is a young team and the guys haven't played a lot of games," said Rohit in a post-match presentation ceremony.
"It is important that the guys get time in the middle. It is early to think about changes in the next game. Whatever suits team India, we'll do that. We need to make sure we look after the guys who are playing now. They haven't played a lot either. For the guys who haven't played, their time will come, there are a lot of T20s. Harshal has done it time and again, he is a very skillful bowler. Even in these conditions, he used the slower ball really well," he added.
Chasing the target, the pair of Rahul and Rohit added 117 runs for the opening wicket and after their dismissals, Venkatesh Iyer (12*) and Rishabh Pant (12*) completed the formalities to take India home.
With this victory, the Men in Blue also took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
The third and final T20I is due to be held at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday (November 21).
(With ANI inputs)
