4th T20I, Wellington, January 31, 2020, 12:30 PM
India
165/8(20.0ov)
New Zealand
165/7(20.0ov)
India tied with New Zealand (India win Super Over by 1 wicket)
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Shardul Thakur
Commentry
So that is it from another nail-biter game of the series. New Zealand's struggles in the Super Over continued and they're losing run in the shortest format continues. India are well on course for a whitewash and have made it 4-0. We still have one final game remaining from this exciting series. The 5th and final T20I will be played on Sunday, 2nd February. That match will begin at 2000 local (0700 GMT). Join us for that one. Till then, cheers!
Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, says he has learned to stay calm when the opposition is playing well and just wait for an opportunity. Further adds there couldn't have been more exciting games than the last two and that is exactly what the fans want. Mentions he had not played a Super Over till now but he has now played two. States they were down and out and they coming back shows the character of the team. Informs they initially decided to send Samson but Rahul and him had a chat and then he decided to walk out as his experience could come into play. Says Samson was fearless, he did not read the pitch that well, he went for another biggie despite getting one but that is how he plays and that is how he should continue. Ends by saying he is very proud of how his team played and how they managed to pull things back.
New Zealand skipper, Tim Southee, says it is a very tough loss, especially after the position they were in but they gave it away with their own hands. States the manner they have lost in is bad, they made it tough on themselves by giving India a sniff and that is something they can't do against such good opponents.
For his game turning final over, Shardul Thakur has been named the Man of the Match. Shardul Thakur says, he feels very good and such matches are for what they play cricket for and he is very delighted. States they never lost hope and the last game taught them that, the first ball of the last over was crucial, a wicket was needed and he got it. Ends by saying he is happy with his contribution with the bat too but he feels he should have carried on and batted for longer.
Earlier in the evening, India were on the back foot and were struggling at 88/6 but just like every champion side has a someone raising their hands up and delivering the goods, the tourists had one as well. This time it was Manish Pandey whose unbeaten 50 built the momentum and took them to a very good total of 165. Spin twins of Sodhi and Santner were the stars for the Kiwis with the ball as they were economical and chipped in with wickets.
It was Shami in the previous game and this time it was Shardul Thakur who brought this game back from the dead. Defending 6 in the final over was a herculean task and somehow he managed to pull out a rabbit off his hat and managed to drag this game into Super Over. Bumrah, unlike the previous game was back at his best and was the star with the ball. Going for just 20 in his 4 and picking up a wicket. Navdeep Saini's penultimate over was the game changing one as he went for just 4 in it and that was the building block of this win. All-in-all, India will be satisfied with their efforts.
Chasing 166, New Zealand got off to a poor start as Munro and Guptill struggled early and they lost the latter. Munro though fought the tough situation out and stitched a 74-run stand, getting his fifty in the process. But in an anti-climatic way the southpaw was run out, courtesy of a super effort from the Indian skipper. Seifert though carried along and it looked like him and Ross Taylor would take his side home. They needed just 7 off the last over but the Kiwis failed to get that and could muster only 6 and banged their chasing car into the woods and are slowly snatching the tag of chokers from South Africa.
Another Super Over and another heartbreak in it for New Zealand. Southee once again fails to defend in the Super Over and for the fourth time in a row, the Kiwis lose a Super Over. It was Rohit Sharma in the first Super Over and it is KL Rahul and Virat Kohli who are the Indian heroes. India make it 4-0, just like they made it 3-0, by winning the Super Over.
Ball 5: Southee to Kohli, FOUR! Kohli ends it in style! He takes his side 4-0 up! Another win for India in the Super Over. Shorter and on off, Kohli drags his pull through mid-wicket and it races away to the fence.
Ball 4: Southee to Kohli, 2 runs, This is brilliant! Just brilliant from the skipper. How smart was that? Knows a risk is not needed so he taps it with soft hands towards mid on. The weight on the shot is perfect so two is taken.
Ball 3: Southee to Rahul, OUT! Southee gets Rahul! India can't afford to lose a wicket now. 4 needed in 3 balls. A short one on middle, Rahul pulls, he hits it nicely but flat towards deep square leg. Kuggeleijn takes it. Samson is the new man in.
Ball 2: Southee to Rahul, FOUR! It was Rohit Sharma the last night, this time it is Rahul. A short ball on the body, Rahul pulls it over short fine leg and bags another boundary. 10 from the first two balls. 4 needed in 4 balls.
Ball 1: Southee to Rahul, SIX! That is some way to start the chase! The equation is very easy now, only 8 needed in 5 balls. Full and on middle, it is in the slog. Rahul clears his front leg and whips it high and handsome into the mid-wicket stand.
The New Zealand players are in a huddle and Southee is having a word with his troops as we await to see who it will be for India who walk out for the Super Over. It is going to be KL Rahul and Indian skipper, Virat Kohli who will try and do the job for the hosts. Can they do it? It's going to be KL Rahul who will take the strike.
So this time India need 14 runs to win but they do not have Rohit Sharma, the star from the last Super Over. It is not going to be an easy task for them. It will be interesting to see whether Southee, who is also the skipper today, bowls the Super Over himself or will he give it to someone else? Remember he was unable to defend 17 in the previous Super Over. It is going to be Southee again. The skipper wants to do it for his side and will look to put the last Super Over behind and finally win one for New Zealand.
Ball 6: Bumrah to Munro, 1 run, An appeal for a catch, the umpire has taken it upstairs to check whether it is a bump ball. Replays roll in and they show it has bounced. A low full toss. Munro looks to play the paddle scoop but ends up hitting it on the bounce to short fine leg. A single taken. NEW ZEALAND END WITH 13. INDIA NEED 14 TO WIN!
Ball 5: Bumrah to Munro, FOUR! Much-needed boundary! Good length ball outside off, Munro goes on his back foot and manages to loft if over point for a boundary.
Ball 4: Bumrah to Seifert, OUT! Caught! This time Seifert departs and India have a wicket. Full outside off, Seifert looks to go over point but does not time it and the fielder in the deep manages to take it safely.
Ball 3: Bumrah to Seifert, 2 runs, In air... dropped again! Second drop in the over. A short one. Seifert looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes towards short fine leg. Rahul goes after it but ends up dropping it. Two taken.
Ball 2: Bumrah to Seifert, FOUR! Good length ball outside off, Seifert goes over covers and gets a boundary as there is no one in the deep. 6 off the first two balls.
Ball 1: Bumrah to Seifert, 2 runs, Dropped! Tough chance and Iyer cannot take it. Bumrah bangs it in a bit short on middle, Seifert goes for the pull but mistimes it. It goes behind mid-wicket. Iyer runs back and gets his hands to it but cannot hold onto it. 2 taken.
Needing 18 off the last three, New Zealand had Taylor and Seifert, the well-set batters at the crease. But the trio of Bumrah, Saini and Shardul changed the complexion of the match completely.
Would you believe it? For the second game running, we are going to the Super Over and New Zealand have once again thrown it away and extended this game. They were cruising and needed just 18 off 18 with two set batsmen but once again they threw it in the final over and have failed to score 7 which was needed. They have scored 6 and this game has gone to Super Over. Shardul Thakur you beauty! Last game it was Shami who defended 9. Shardul has done a tougher job and defended 6 in the last over! Wow! Just wow! The never-say-die attitude of this Indian side has once again taken the game to another Super Over and New Zealand just cannot find a way to get rid of the dilemma called the Super Over.
19.6
W
OUT! RUN OUT! IT IS A SUPER OVER! For the second time in a row, India have managed to take it into a Super Over when they seemed down and out. A full ball outside off, it is hit through covers for one. They go for a second but Samson throws it to the keeper and Santner is well short. MATCH TIED!
Scott Kuggeleijn is in now. He won't be on strike. Santner needs to score 1 to take this to Super Over and 2 to win this game. Can he get the couple?
19.5
W
OUT! TAKEN! 2 needed off the last ball! Shardul Thakur is bowling a gem of an over here! A slower ball, full and on middle, Mitchell looks to loft it over mid off but ends up hitting it high up in the air. Dube settles under it and takes it. Are we in for another Super Over here? Surely not, right?
19.4
1
A single! Santner slipped! Daryl Mitchell though was not interested. Shorter and on the body, it is pulled through mid-wicket. They take one. Santner looks to turn for the second but is slips. Mitchell though did not want a second.
Mitchell Santner is the new man in and he will be on strike. 3 needed in 3, can he keep his calm and take his side over the line?
19.3
W
OUT! Seifert is short! 3 in 3 needed and a new batter will be on strike. A slower bumper outside off. Mitchell is foxed by the lack of pace. He tries to pull but misses. It goes towards the keeper. The batters look to steal a bye but Rahul hits bull's eye at his end. An appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays roll in and it shows TS is just short.
Big moment in the game! Is Seifert short? Well India are celebrating, the umpire has taken it upstairs.
19.2
4
FOUR! Up and over! Mitchell releases the pressure with a lofted drive. Fuller and around off, DM hits it over covers and bags a boundary. 3 needed in 4.
Daryl Mitchell walks out to bat. The new man will have to take the strike as Taylor did not cross the crease.
19.1
W
OUT! That has gone a long, long way in the air... Iyer has taken it. 7 needed in 7. Are New Zealand going to crumble again? They will surely be nervous. Not to forget, they needed 3 in 5 balls in the last game and this time they need 4 more. A full ball on middle, Taylor looks to whip it on the leg side but it goes off the top edge. It goes high up in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Iyer takes a good catch falling forward.
7 needed off 6, surely New Zealand will take it home, right? Or will India once again pull out a rabbit out of the hat and either defend it or drag this game into Super Over? Shardul Thakur will have to do what Mohammed Shami did in the previous game. The big difference is Thakur has 2 runs less to play with.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
2
0
Navdeep Saini 29/0(4)
18.6
1
Just a single again! It is very full and on the pads, Taylor looks to flick but gets an inside edge on the pads. A single taken. Top class over from Saini. Has kept India in the game. 7 needed in 6.
18.5
1
Just a single! A short one around off, Seifert drags his pull through square leg for one.
18.4
.
One more dot! Shorter and outside off, Seifert looks to cut but misses. 8 needed now in 9 balls.
18.3
.
A dot! A top class yorker on the pads. Seifert looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
18.2
2
In the air... safe! Shorter and on middle, Seifert looks to pull but gets a top edge. It lands safe in the square leg region. Two taken.
18.1
.
A yorker on middle, it is jammed out towards mid-wicket.
Navdeep Saini to bowl the penultimate over of the innings.
In over# 1
1
0
4
1
1
0
Jasprit Bumrah 20/1(4)
17.6
1
Good length ball on middle and leg, Seifert taps it to the leg side and goes for a quick run. Taylor charges and so does Bumrah. The Indian gets to the ball and has a shy at the keeper's end but misses.
17.5
.
Bumrah hits the deck hard on off, Seifert blocks it.
17.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Good length delivery on off, Seifert times it excellently through point and fetches a boundary. Required runs less than the balls remaining now.
17.3
1
Direct hit and it would have been close. Fuller on off, Taylor taps it towards point and goes for a quick single. Manish Pandey, one of the best fielders in the side gets to the ball and has a shy at the keeper's end but misses.
17.2
1
Good length ball outside off, Seifert runs it down to third man and gets a single. There is no need to complicate this chase. They can do it with singles.
17.1
.
Full on off, Seifert pushes it to mid off. Kohli at cover dives and tries to stop the ball but misses.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1
4
Shardul Thakur 27/0(3)
16.6
1
Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
16.5
.
Shorter slower one on middle, Seifert looks to upper cut it but misses.
16.4
1
Length and on off, it is slapped through covers for one. Singles will do it for the hosts.
16.3
1
Leading edge but safe! Shorter and around off, Seifert looks to work it on the leg side but there is a leading edge which lands safe on the off side for one.
16.2
1
Shortish and outside off, it is guided towards point for one.
16.1
4
FOUR! Short ball and put away! It is on the shorter side and outside off, Taylor throws his bat at it. Gets it right off the middle and the ball races away to the fence. Runs needed below the balls left to bowl.
Shardul Thakur is back for his third.
In over# 1
1
1
4
2
1lb
1
Jasprit Bumrah 13/1(3)
15.6
1
Leading edge but a run! Shorter and around off, Taylor looks to work it on the leg side. He gets a leading edge down to third man for one. Another good over for the hosts. 26 needed from 24.
15.5
1
Another single! Shorter and angled into the body, TS looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the body. It rolls beside the stumps. The batters go for one. Kohli picks the ball up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. The fielder from mid off looks to backup but he fumbles but no extra run taken.
15.4
4
FOUR! Clever, very clever! This is full and just outside off, it is a full toss. Seifert waits for it and then guides it down to the third man fence.
15.3
2
Shorter and outside off, this is guided down to third man for two.
15.2
1lb
NOT OUT! Seifert is well in! Not sure why they went upstairs. It is angled into the pads, Taylor looks to flick but is hit on the pads. It rolls beside the pitch. The batters go for one. Bumrah gets to the ball and underarms it onto the stumps. Seifert dives to get in. An appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays show that Seifert is well in.
Run out appeal taken upstairs. Seifert looks comfortably in and hence there is no excitement from the Indian players and no nervousness from the Kiwi batter.
15.1
1
On a length and around off, Seifert looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the off side for one.
Jasprit Bumrah is back to operate in his area of expertise. He has been exceptional in this game so far. His figures from the first spell reads, 2-0-4-1.
In over# 1
4
1wd
2
2
1
6
1
Yuzvendra Chahal 38/1(4)
14.6
4
FOUR! Right in the gap! A huge over, 17 from it. Probably the over which turns the game into New Zealand's favor completely. This is floated up outside off, Taylor slog sweeps. It goes in the gap in the mid-wicket region and a boundary. This could have easily been an over which could have had a wicket but instead it goes for a plenty.
14.6
1wd
WIDE! Way too far outside off, it is left alone.
14.5
2
Slower through the air and outside off, this is dragged through mid-wicket for two.
14.4
2
Overthrow! India losing the plot here! This is hit through covers. They take on. The fielder fires a wild throw which is away from the keeper and another single is taken.
14.3
1
DROPPED AGAIN! Bumrah is the culprit this time! Seifert looks to play the reverse sweep. He does not time it well. It goes uppishly towards short third man where Bumrah dives forward and tries to take it but fails to do so. You can't win matches if you keep dropping such catches.
14.2
6
DROPPED AND SIX! Has Saini dropped the game? That had to be taken, it was a chance to get Seifert out, the well-set man but the youngster fails to hang on. It is floated up outside off, TS drags it towards wide long on. Saini there runs to his right. He is a little too close to the ropes. He does get two hands to it but maybe panicked and it spills out and over the ropes.
14.1
1
Dragged but just for one! Outside off, Taylor hits it towards wide long on and gets to the other end.
In over# 1
6
1
1
1
1
1
Shivam Dube 14/0(2)
13.6
6
SIX! Just over! Whatever pressure that was building has been released by this hit. Dube fails to end the over nicely. A short one on the body, Seifert looks to pull but due to the extra bounce Dube gets, a top edge is induced. It goes between long on and deep mid-wicket. Not sure if it has gone all the way. The umpire takes it upstairs and replays show that it has hit the cushion on the full. 53 needed in 6 overs.
13.5
1
Another single! 5 in the over so far! Needs to end it well here. Shorter and outside off, Taylor cuts it through point.
13.4
1
Back of a length and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Once again Dube pulls out! Maybe because he heard Kohli scream loudly. The skipper was asking someone to come in the ring and Dube did not see that.
13.3
1
A little too straight again, Taylor works it through mid-wicket and takes one. Three singles in the over so far.
Dube will have to reload as the bails have come off once again due to the wind.
13.2
1
A low full toss this time, Seifert works it through mid-wicket and takes another run.
13.1
1
On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
0W
Yuzvendra Chahal 21/1(3)
12.6
1
Floated on off, Ross strokes it towards long on and gets a single to get through the over. Very good over from the leggie. Just 5 runs and a wicket off it.
12.5
1
Wide outside off, Seifert stretches and drives it to sweeper cover and gets another single.
12.4
1
Gives this air on middle, Taylor nudges it towards long on for one.
12.3
1
Flighted on off, Seifert drives it with the spin towards cover for a run.
12.2
1
Short around off, Taylor cuts it towards point and gets off the mark.
Ross Taylor walks out to bat now.
12.1
W
OUT! Bowled! Chahal comes back and gets rid of Bruce! He cannot leave a lasting impression and goes without troubling the scorers. Floated on leg stump, Bruce looks to paddle. This shot looks easy to play and cheeky when it comes off but when it does not, it does not look pretty. On this occasion, it has not come off. Bruce has missed it completely and the ball goes onto disturb the pole. Once again New Zealand are making a meal of this chase and are losing the plot.
Chahal is back.
In over# 1
1lb
0
1W
1lb
1
1
Shivam Dube 3/0(1)
11.6
1lb
A huge shout but not given! This is angled into the pads, of the batter. Bruce looks to play it with a straight bat but misses.
11.5
.
Shorter and on off, it is pushed to covers.
Tom Bruce is the new man in.
11.4
W
OUT! You bet he has! Munro is short! India needed something inspirational, their body language had gone down as this stand was taking the game away but Kohli has just provided something brilliant. He leads from the front and this could well be the opening India wanted. It is a full ball outside off, Munro hits it through covers. The batters take one and go for the second. Thakur picks the ball up and fires it towards Kohli at covers. He catches it, turns and then fires it at the stumps at the keeper's end and hits. Munro is walking back disappointed but the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays show that Munro is well short. Replays actually show that Munro did not expect the throw to come at his end and he was jogging towards the other end. When he saw Kohli turn, that is when he upped the speed but it was too late. A good innings from Munro comes to an end but he needed to stay longer.
A run out appeal and it has been taken upstairs! Munro is already walking back! Has the Indian skipper pulled off something exceptional?
11.3
1lb
Seifert makes room and Dube bowls a slower one and it is shorter in length. It is on the body. He looks to pull. It hits the body and rolls on the off side. A run taken. Leg bye taken. Three singles in the over so far.
11.2
1
Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.
11.1
1
Shorter and on middle, Seifert mistimes his pull through mid-wicket.
Shivam Dube on now. Can his medium pace do the trick?
In over# 1
0
4
1
2lb
4
1
1wd
Navdeep Saini 25/0(3)
10.6
.
A full toss now, it is hit to mid off. Another big over for the hosts.
10.5
4
FOUR! Blasted! Nobody moved there! 74 needed in 55 now. Outside off, Munro smashes it through covers and the ball races away to the fence.
10.4
1
On the fuller side, Seifert strokes it through covers for one.
10.3
2lb
Good running! On the pads, TS looks to flick but it hits the pads and rolls towards fine leg. Two taken. Leg byes signaled.
10.2
4
FOUR! Raining boundaries here! Shorter and around off, Seifert goes after it. He probably was looking to hit it over covers but it goes over the point fielder and into the fence.
10.1
1
Shorter again and on the body, Munro pulls but it hits the higher part of the bat. It lands in the fine leg region for one.
10.1
1wd
WIDE! Way too short and on the body. Munro ducks under it. Wided.
Navdeep Saini is back! 2-0-14-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
2
4
4
0
Washington Sundar 24/0(2)
9.6
1
On the pads, CM flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. 11 off the over. 87 needed from the last 10 overs.
9.5
.
Shorter on off, Munro blocks it off his back foot.
9.4
2
Flatter on the pads, Munro sweeps it to the on side and gets a couple.
9.3
4
FOUR! Short outside off, Munro transfers his weight on his back foot and cuts it fiercely through point for a boundary.
9.2
4
FOUR! Brings up the 50-run stand and his personal fifty in style. He struggled in the start but he has found his groove. Tossed up on middle, Munro smashes it over the bowler's head and gets a boundary as the ball bounces inside the ropes. The run chase has found its way back but the job is not done and the southpaw should bat and see his side home.
9.1
.
Darted on the pads, Munro looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
In over# 1
6
1
2
0
2
1
Yuzvendra Chahal 16/0(2)
8.6
6
SIX! Don't bother catching that, it has gone way over the stands. Chahal gives this air on middle and off, Seifert gets down on one knee and murders the ball two rows behind the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
8.5
1
On middle and leg, Munro sweeps it to the on side for a single.
8.4
2
Tossed up on middle and leg, Munro sweeps it wide of deep mid-wicket. Samson there does really well to cover the ground and save it before the ropes. Two taken.
8.3
.
Smart bowling. Munro gets ready for a reverse sweep so Chahal bowls it on his leg. Colin does well to adjust and defend it.
8.2
2
Tossed up on off, Munro plays a very good cover drive and gets a couple as the fielder from sweeper cover sweeps it.
8.1
1
Flighted leg spinner outside off, Seifert runs it down towards short third man and gets a single.
In over# 1
1
1
6
0
1
4
Washington Sundar 13/0(1)
7.6
1
Outside off, Seifert hits it uppishly but wide of point for one. A good over for the Kiwis. 110 needed in 72 balls.
7.5
1
Angled into the pads, Munro sweeps it through square leg for one.
7.4
6
SIX! A gift! A full toss, Munro says thank you very much and sends it sailing over the mid-wicket fence. 11 from the first 4 balls.
7.3
.
Well bowled! Slower through the air and on middle, Munro looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
7.2
1
Good fielding! Shortish again and around off, Seifert hits it towards point where Chahal dives to his right and stops it. Just a run.
7.1
4
FOUR! Beautifully timed! Deep covers had no chance! Slightly short and outside off, Seifert hits it hard and it races away through the cover boundary. Good start to the over.
Washington Sundar is on!
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
1
0
Yuzvendra Chahal 4/0(1)
6.6
1
One more single as this is pushed through covers for one.
6.5
1
On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
6.4
.
Well bowled! Cramps Munro for room by bowling it on the body. Munro looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
6.3
1
Quicker again and around off, Seifert hits it through point and takes one.
6.2
1
Slightly shorter in length and outside off, it is slapped through covers for one.
6.1
.
Flatter and on off, Munro keeps it out.
Yuzvendra Chahal is on now!
In over# 1
0
0
1
1wd
4
4
6
Shardul Thakur 19/0(2)
5.6
.
Two dots to end but a good over for the Kiwis! However, the visitors will be happy with how things have gone in the Powerplay. New Zealand are 39 for 1. They need another 127 in 14 overs. The last ball is slightly short and outside off, Seifert looks to cut but gets an underedge towards the off side.
5.5
.
Shorter and on off, TS pushes it to covers.
5.4
1
Just a single! Thakur will be happy Munro is off strike. A slower short ball, it is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
5.4
1wd
WIDE! Could have been a single but Munro refuses it. Short and down the leg side. Munro looks to pull but misses. Pressure telling on Thakur.
5.3
4
FOUR! 14 from the first three balls! This could well be the momentum-changing over. Full and on middle, Munro whips it through wide mid on and it races away. Thakur under pressure.
5.2
4
FOUR! Up and over! 10 from the first two balls now! Munro uses his feet this time and gets to the pitch of it. He lofts it over mid off and bags another boundary.
5.1
6
SIX! Into the crowd! New Zealand need more of those! Top start to the 6th and they need to make this count now. Shorter and on middle, Munro swings and he gets it right off the middle. It sails over the mid-wicket fence.
Shardul Thakur is back on. Went for just 3 in his first.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0W
1
Jasprit Bumrah 4/1(2)
4.6
.
Very full and angling in. It is on off and middle, Seifert does well to defends it towards mid on. Very good over from Bumrah. Just 2 and a wicket.
4.5
1
Back of a length on the body. It is pacy and it is bowled at 142 kph. Munro looks to pull but gloves it towards the on side and manages to get to the other end. The southpaw is struggling to get going here.
4.4
.
Bouncer to follow up the yorker. Munro sits under it.
4.3
.
Bumrah special to Munro. It is a yorker on the stumps, Colin manages to get his bat down in time.
Tim Seifert is the new man in!
4.2
W
OUT! Caught! Bumrah strikes and the dangerous Martin Guptill is out of here. Credit has to be given to the Indian bowlers, they have hardly given away any free runs and the pressure they have built has turned into a wicket. Bumrah bangs it in short on off, Guptill looks to pull it and release some pressure he cannot time it at all. Ends up getting a top edge which flies to the left of the keeper. Rahul, with the gloves calls for the catch. He initially moves behind to his left and then comes forward to take the catch.
4.1
1
Bumrah bowls it slightly short on off, Munro pulls it against the angle towards mid-wicket and gets a single.
In over# 1
2
0
1
6
0
0
Navdeep Saini 14/0(2)
3.6
2
Brillaint stop! Saves two for his side. A full toss on the pads, Guptill works it behind square on the leg side. Samson in the deep dives to his right and stops it. A good over for the Kiwis. 145 needed in 16 overs.
3.5
.
Guptill makes room again and Saini follows him. Guptill swings but misses it.
3.4
1
Well bowled! A yorker this time and on the pads, it is jammed out towards the leg side for one.
3.3
6
SIX! Nailed! Will that get Munro going? This is slightly short and on middle, Munro picks it up and sends it sailing over the mid-wicket fence for a huge one. Welcome biggie for the hosts.
3.2
.
One more dot! Outside off, Munro makes room and goes after it but misses.
3.1
.
Munro misses out! A full toss on the pads, Colin flicks but straight to the man at mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1lb
1
0
Jasprit Bumrah 2/0(1)
2.6
.
Guptill makes room and Bumrah follows him. MG swings but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
2.5
1
A direct hit and Munro would have been a goner! That was a suicidal run! A full toss on middle, it is hit towards mid on. The batters take off. Shardul Thakur picks the ball up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.
2.4
.
An excellent yorker. Gutpill gets his bat down in time and jams it out.
2.3
1lb
Angled into the pads, Guptill looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A single taken. Leg bye signaled.
2.2
1
One more short ball! This is pulled wide of the fielder at mid on for one.
2.1
.
That took off! This is on a length and around off, it takes off after pitching. Munro looks to push at it but is beaten. Rahul collects it near his face.
Bumrah time! Jasprit Bumrah is introduced into the attack. He had a very bad evening in the last game. How will he fare tonight?
In over# 1
1
0
0
4
0
0
Navdeep Saini 5/0(1)
1.6
1
On the fuller side, it is a slower one. Munro hits it towards mid on for one. So just the five from the over despite going for a boundary.
1.5
.
On the shorter side and outside off, Munro looks to pull it through the leg side but fails to put bat on ball.
1.4
.
Goog length and on off, Munro defends it towards point.
A slight delay as there's an intruder on the field.
1.3
4
FOUR! Hammered! Munro comes down the track, makes this length ball into a full delivery and then smashes it past the mid off fielder for a boundary. First of the chase.
1.2
.
Shorter and outside off, Munro looks to cut but misses.
1.1
.
On the fuller side, Munro strokes it back to the bowler.
Navdeep Saini to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
1lb
1
0
1
0
1
Shardul Thakur 3/0(1)
0.6
1lb
A leg bye to end the first over! A good one by Thakur. On the pads, Munro looks to whip it but misses. It hits the pad and lobs on the off side. There are shouts of catch it but it lands well ahead of Kohli who runs towards the ball from the slip region. A single taken.
0.5
1
Full and on the pads, it is clipped through mid-wicket for one.
0.4
.
Extra bounce! It is on a length and around off, Guptill looks to defend but it hits the higher part of the bat and lobs on the off side.
0.3
1
Munro is off the mark! Shorter and on middle, Munro pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
0.2
.
Very full and outside off, Munro goes after it but misses.
What happened there? The ball was delivered from Thakur, it was defended by Munro but it is dead ball as just before delivering, the bails had come off at the non-striker's end because of the strong wind.
0.1
1
New Zealand are underway straightaway! This is angled into the pads, Guptill works it through mid-wicket for one.
We are back for the chase! The Indians make their way out to the middle. Martin Guptill and Colin Munro are the openers for the Kiwis. The right-hander will be on strike and he will be facing Shardul Thakur. Here we go...
So 166 is the target for New Zealand to win their first game of the series. India will look to carry the momentum they built towards the end of the first innings and will feel they have a good total. Can New Zealand chase it on a pitch which has looked slightly tricky to bat on. Join us in a while to for the hosts' chase.
Once again the death bowling of New Zealand has left a lot to desire. They were decent in the Powerplay as they kept chipping wickets. They were all over India and it looked like they would manage to restrict the mighty Indians to under 135-140 but their bowing at the fag end has once again given India a chance to win the game. The spinners though were excellent today and the pair of Sodhi and Santner gave away just 52 runs and picked up 4 wickets from their 8 overs. The latter, in particular, was really good as he picked up 3 off those 4 and was a livewire in the field as he also took three catches, two of them, top notch. But overall the hosts will be disappointed and will feel they have given away 20-25 more.
After being put in, India were off to a shaky start. Rahul was taking the attack to the hosts' attack but they kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. Once Rahul departed and with India reeling at 88/6 it looked like they would struggle to get to 140 but Manish Pandey's superb knock of unbeaten 50 along with handy cameos from Thakur and Saini has taken India past 160 and given them a real chance to win this game.
Superb finish from India. Once again they have taken on the Kiwi bowling at the death and head into the break with the momentum on their side. They have scored 61 from the last 6 overs and thanks to Manish Pandey they have a really good score on a wicket which has something for the pace bowlers as well as the spinners.
19.6
1b
NOT OUT! Saini is well in! A bye off the last ball and INDIA END WITH 165! A full ball outside off, NS swings but misses. Pandey goes for the run. The keeper throws it towards the bowler who turns and then hits the stumps at his end. An appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays roll in and they show that the batter is well in.
A run out appeal and it has been taken upstairs!
19.5
1
Just a single! This is full and it is hit down hard to the man at long on. They take the first one hard but that is hit a little too hard so just one. Fifty for Pandey. Brilliant innings by him. His team was in big trouble and he has taken them to a fighting total.
19.4
2
Easy two! Fuller and it is the slower one. Pandey looks to hit it through the off side but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for two.
19.4
1wd
WIDE! A little too wide outside off, Pandey does go after it but fails to reach it. Wided.
19.3
1b
Excellent running! A bye stolen! Shorter and around off, Saini looks to slap it but misses. Pandey is off his blocks quickly. Seifert does hit the stumps at his end but Pandey was well in.
19.2
1
Brilliant! Bowls a yorker on off, Pandey jams it out towards point and takes one.
19.1
4
FOUR! That went to the fence like a tracer bullet! Pandey is playing a gem here! It is on a length and around off, Pandey waits for it and then hammers it over covers for a boundary. Ideal start to the last over for India.
Scott Kuggeleijn to bowl the final over of the innings.
In over# 1
2
4
0
4
0
0
Hamish Bennett 41/2(4)
18.6
2
Gets two! The throw is a little too high. Full and on the pads, this is whipped towards deep mid-wicket. The batters take one and then go for the second. Santner picks the ball up and fires it way too high for the keeper. 10 from the penultimate over, brilliant one for India.
18.5
4
FOUR! Crunched! Second boundary in the over! This is full and around off, Saini maks room and hammers it through extra cover. He played that nicely. Waited for the knuckle ball and hit it hard. One more ball to go, it will be another free hit for him. Can he get another boundary?
18.4
.
One more dot! Shorter and outside off, Saini looks to cut but misses. He gave himself too much room there.
18.3
4
FOUR! Handy runs these! It is off the thickish outside edge. India won't mind how they come as long as they come. It is on off, Saini swings, the ball flies off the outer half and it goes over the point fielder for a boundary.
18.2
.
Swing and a miss! Not a good idea that from Saini! It is on a length and around middle, NS clears his front leg and looks to go big but misses.
18.1
.
On middle, Saini gets right behind the line and defends it.
In over# 1
1
0W
1
2
1
1
Tim Southee 28/1(4)
17.6
1
Why was the single taken there? Maybe Pandey must have forgotten there is just one ball left. It is on a length and around off, Saini guides it towards point and takes off. Pandey too goes for it and they complete the run.
Navdeep Saini joins Manish Pandey now.
17.5
W
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! India 8 down! Southee lands it on a length and it is just outside off. Chahal plays inside the line, the ball kisses the outside edge and goes into the hands of Seifert.
17.4
1
Just a single this time! Pandey dances down and hits it hard towards long on for one.
17.3
2
A couple! Brilliant running! On off, it is hit down to long on with soft hands for two.
17.2
1
Direct hit and it could have been close! Shorter and on the body, Chahal works it towards mid-wicket and Pandey wants a run. Santner picks it up and underarms it towards the stumps at the keeper's end but misses.
17.1
1
Wide outside off, it is hit through covers for one.
In over# 1
1
2
4
0W
2
4
Hamish Bennett 31/2(3)
16.6
1
Good batting! Keeps strike now by pushing it towards the cover region. A wicket in the over by a good one for the visitors.
16.5
2
If he plays like this, he surely will! Excellent placement and good running! This is on middle, Pandey works it through mid-wicket with soft hands and takes two.
16.4
4
FOUR! Powered! Flat-batted! Bennett goes short again and on off, Pandey slaps it down past mid on and for a handy boundary. Can Pandey take India to 160?
Yuzvendra Chahal is out to bat now.
16.3
W
OUT! Caught! Thakur's decent little innings comes to an end! It is a knuckle ball, it is outside off. Thakur looks to heave it on the leg side but is a touch early in the shot. He ends up hitting it high up in the air towards the leg side. Southee from mid on runs towards the ball and takes it.
16.2
2
A couple now! Shorter again and on off, Thakur flat-bats it down towards long off. Long on gets across and keeps it down to two.
16.1
4
FOUR! In the gap and a boundary! Excellent start to the 17th over! It is slightly short and on middle, Thakur drags it over mid-wicket, it is in the gap and a boundary results.
In over# 1
3
1lb
1wd
2
4
1lb
1
Tim Southee 22/0(3)
15.6
3
Three runs! End of a productive over for India. This is outside off, Thakur throws his bat at it. It flies off the outside edge over point. Munro hares after it and pulls it back just in time.
15.5
1lb
A huge shout but not given! Pandey shuffles across this time. Southee bowls it on a length and around off. Pandey lifts one leg up and looks to help it on its way. It hits the pad and goes on the leg side. A leg bye. Too high that to be given out.
15.5
1wd
Pandey makes room this time, Southee looks to follow him with a short one. It is down the leg side though. Wided,
15.4
2
Just over! Full and outside off, Pandey clears his front leg and lofts it over mid off. Does not quite get it off the middle but it clears that fielder there and two taken.
15.3
4
FOUR! Brilliantly played! Just guided it nicely! Shorter and around off, Pandey makes room, opens the face of the bat and hits it wide of the fielder at backward point for a boundary.
15.2
1lb
One more shortish ball, this time on the body. Thakur looks to pull but it hits the glove and then the body. It rolls on the leg side. A run taken. Leg bye signaled by the umpire.
15.1
1
Pandey comes down the track but Southee bangs it short. MP hits it down to long on for one.
Tim Southee is back on!
In over# 1
1
1wd
2
0
2
1
1
Hamish Bennett 18/1(2)
14.6
1
Slower ball to end the over. It is outside off and full, Manish strokes it to the right of mid off and keeps the strike.
14.6
1wd
WIDE! Bouncer bounces too high. Manish looks to pull but misses as the ball goes over his head.
14.5
2
Length delivery on off and middle, Manish glances it wide of long on and calls for two straightaway. This pair is quick between the wickets and manage to get it with ease.
14.4
.
Play and a miss! Cross-seam delivery outside off on a length. Manish looks to punch but misses.
14.3
2
Fuller on middle, Thakur flicks it towards square leg for a couple.
14.2
1
Outside off, Thakur punches punches it towards cover for a single.
14.1
1
Fuller on middle, Pandey plays it to long on and rotates the strike.
Hamish Bennett is back.
In over# 1
2
1
0
0
1
3
Mitchell Santner 26/1(4)
13.6
2
Flighted on off, Thakur goes inside out. He does not time it well and hence the fielder from long on cleans it up. Two taken. Good evening for Santner. 4-0-26-1, his numbers so far. To add to his three catches.
13.5
1
Shorter around off, Pandey strokes it towards point and gets a run.
13.4
.
Shorter on off, MP punches it to cover.
13.3
.
Tossed up on off, Pandey defends it.
13.2
1
Flighted on off, Thakur plays a lovely cover drive but there is protection in the deep so just a single.
13.1
3
Floated delivery outside off, Manish looks to drive but gets a fat outside edge which goes through the vacant slip cordon. Hamish Bennett gives it a chase and pulls it back with a slide. The batters get three.
In over# 1
4
2
1
1
0
1
Ish Sodhi 26/3(4)
12.6
4
FOUR! A boundary to end! Spoils the over completely. Shorter and outside off, Thakur goes back and cuts it past the diving fielder at point who puts in a very lazy dive. Nonetheless, it does not spoil the day for Sodhi who finishes with a gorgeous figures of 4-0-26-3.
12.5
2
Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for two.
12.4
1
On middle, it is hit down to long on for one.
12.3
1
Thakur is off the mark! He works it through mid-wicket for one.
12.2
.
The googly on middle, Thakur looks to drive but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket.
12.1
1
Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
1
Mitchell Santner 19/1(3)
11.6
.
One more dot! Very full and on middle, this is hit back towards the bowler.
11.5
.
Flatter and outside off, Thakur guides it towards point.
11.4
.
On middle, Thakur gets right behind the line and keeps it out.
Shardul Thakur is the new man in.
11.3
W
OUT! TIMBER! Another one bites the dust! The Kiwis now into the bowling all-rounders even before India have crossed the 100-run mark. It is slightly slower and it lands around off, turns back in. Sunder looks to play it against the turn as he tries to force it through the off side. It hits the inside edge and then onto the stumps. Can the Kiwis keep India to below 130 from here?
11.2
.
Flatter and quicker outside off, Sundar guides it towards point.
11.1
1
Flatter and on middle, Pandey pushes it down to long on for one.
In over# 1
0
1
0
2
0W
1
Ish Sodhi 17/3(3)
10.6
.
Ohh! Another edge but this time safe. Tossed and slower around off, Sundar looks to play it on the leg side but gets a leading edge which goes towards short third man. Another excellent over from Ish. Just 4 runs and a wicket of it.
10.5
1
Tossed up on off, Manish pushes it to cover for a single.
10.4
.
Sodhi floats one on off, Pandey defends it.
10.3
2
Tossed up on off and middle, Pandey chips it over the bowler's head and gets a couple.
Washington Sundar walks out to bat.
10.2
W
OUT! Another sliding tackle but this time the damage is not a serious one and Bruce has done well to hold onto the catch. Another failure for Shivam Dube and he is unable to grab his opportunities. Floated delivery on off, Dube looks to play the big slog sweep from there. He drags it but gets no timing at all. The ball goes high in the air and flies between deep mid-wicket and long on. Daryl Mitchell comes running from deep mid-wicket and Tom Bruce is the man coming from long on. Mitchell slides and looks to get out of the way, Bruce gets to the ball and takes it. Daryl takes him down with a football (soccer) style tackle but Bruce manages to hold onto the catch. Mitchell would have gone onto the referee's book had he been playing football. Coming back to cricket, all's well that ends well and the Kiwis are all smiles. India under the pump now as half their side are back in the hut.
10.1
1
Sodhi gives some air on this leg spinner outside off, Manish punches it to deep cover for a single.
In over# 1
3
0
0
1
0
1
Mitchell Santner 18/0(2)
9.6
3
A collision and three taken! On middle, Pandey lofts it over the bowler's head. Guptill runs to his right and the fielder at long on to his left. The former slides but does so into Kuggeleijn. Guptill is down in some pain. Scott too is in some pain. The batter see an opportunity for the third and go for it. However, both are back to their feet so probably no harm done.
9.5
.
Slower through the air and on middle, it is kept out.
9.4
.
Fuller and on off, Pandey drives it hard but Santner dives to his left and makes a good stop.
9.3
1
Shorter and around off, this is slapped through covers for one.
9.2
.
Confusion but safe! On off, Dube guides it towards point. He takes off, Pandey initally sets off too but then sends Dube back in time.
9.1
1
Very full and outside off, this is carved through covers for one.
Mitchell Santner is on now. He has been in the thick of action so far.
In over# 1
1
2
0W
1
1
4
Ish Sodhi 13/2(2)
8.6
1
Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one. Another successful over for the hosts.
8.5
2
Starts off with a loopy ball on off, this is eased down towards wide long off for a single. Dear me! The throw from the fielder at long off is a terrible one and for no reason the batters get the second as the ball goes behind.
Manish Pandey replaces his fellow statesman out in the middle. He has been good in the series so far with his cameos but here he has a chance to play a big innings and stamp his authority in the side.
8.4
W
OUT! Straight to the man! Santner takes his third catch. You just can't keep him out of the game! Rahul will be gutted with himself. He has got out to a nothing delivery and India are now in a deeper hole. Even Ish Sodhi is slightly embarrassed as that is how bad the delivery was. It is short and on off, Rahul goes back and he could have hit it anywhere but all he does is, pull it hard and straight to the man at deep mid-wicket. Santner takes the easiest catch he has taken tonight. Sodhi with his second and New Zealand firmly on top now.
8.3
1
On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
8.2
1
Shortish again and outside off, it is slapped through covers for one.
8.1
4
FOUR! Slightly short and put away! There is not a lot of width on offer there but such is the class of Rahul, he puts it away. This is shorter and outside off, Rahul stays back and cuts it through point for a boundary.
In over# 1
4
0
4
1
4
1
Scott Kuggeleijn 30/1(3)
7.6
4
FOUR! Easily done! 14 runs off the over. Expensive over from Kuggeleijn. Good length ball around off, Dube hangs on his back foot and just places it through backward point for a boundary.
7.5
.
On off, Shivam strokes it to point.
7.4
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Unlucky for Kuggeleijn. Outside off on a length, Dube looks to go over point but gets a top edge which flies over the vacant slip cordon and to the third man fence for a boundary.
7.3
1
On middle, KL flicks it to the leg side for a single.
7.2
4
FOUR! Crunched behind point! Superb from KL Rahul. Not much was wrong in this delivery but Rahul's class is such that he makes a decent ball look terrible. Good length ball outside off, Rahul gets on his back foot and punches it behind point for a boundary.
7.1
1
Kuggeleijn bowls it full on the pads, Dube flicks it handsomely, reminding many of Yuvraj Singh. There is a man in the deep at mid-wicket so just a single.
In over# 1
0
2
1
0W
0
1
Ish Sodhi 4/1(1)
6.6
.
Flighted ball and outside off, Sodhi is giving it a lot of air. Rahul looks to push it through the off side but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler. An excellent over by Sodhi comes to an end.
6.5
2
Shorter and on middle, Rahul works it wide of long on for two.
6.4
1
Dube is off the mark as he pushes this full ball through covers for one.
India in a spot of bother here and have lost 3 wickets, Rahul is still out in the middle but he needs some support. Shivam Dube is the new man in. Can he be the one who sticks around with Rahul? He has not had a good series with the bat so far. Chance to turn it around, Shivam.
6.3
W
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! It would have also been a run out! Sodhi makes an impact straightaway and India are in a spot of bother here. This is shorter and outside off, it is outside and it is a googly. Iyer stays leg side of the delivery and looks to cut but there is extra bounce and also hardly any room to play that. It takes the outside edge and goes into the hands of the keeper. Iyer also loses his balance and is out of his crease, he actually was looking for a run and hence, was out of the crease. Seifert also whips the bails off just in case. Back-to-back low scores for Iyer.
6.2
.
Beautifully bowled! Slows it up and lands it on off, it is the googly. Iyer looks to defend but does so outside the line. It hits the inside edge and onto the pads.
6.1
1
Very full and on the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Spin into the attack for the first time. Ish Sodhi to bowl his leg spinners and other variations outside the Powerplay.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Scott Kuggeleijn 16/1(2)
5.6
.
Does so brilliantly! Just the single from the over. Back of a length and on off, this is guided point. An excellent comeback from the Kiwis in the Powerplay. They will be the happier of the two sides at the moment. India are 51 for 2.
5.5
.
Once again Iyer moves around in his crease! In the end he ends up making room. SC follows him with a short one, Iyer looks to hit it down to third man but misses. Just the single from the over so far, can he end it well?
5.4
.
Iyer moves around in his crease to disturb the line and length of the bowler. Scott does well to stick to bowling it on a back of a length and on middle. Iyer keeps it out.
5.3
1
Shorter and into the ribs. It is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
5.2
.
Angled into the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket. Two dots to being the 6th.
5.1
.
Fuller and around off, it is driven to cover-point.
Scott Kuggeleijn to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0W
4
4
Hamish Bennett 10/1(1)
4.6
.
A dot to end an action-packed over. On a length and around off, this is guided to point.
4.5
1
A single now as this is worked towards mid-wicket. Brings up the 50 for India. They are off to a flying start but the loss of two wickets will satisfy New Zealand.
4.4
1
Off the mark is Iyer! Shorter and outside off, Iyer upper cuts it, it lands well short of the fielder at third man for one.
Shreyas Iyer walks out at number 4.
4.3
W
OUT! In the air... taken! What a catch by Santner. A top-class catch to dismiss a top, top player. Bennett is pumped up. He has a knack of picking wickets and this is a huge one, probably the biggest one in the Indian side. It is on a length and around off, the ball sticks in the surface a touch. Kohli looks to flick but the ball arrives slowly. He gets a leading edge beside the pitch. Santner at short coves flies to his right and takes it brilliantly. So the runs are flowing but New Zealand are managing to take wickets at regular intervals.
4.2
4
FOUR! Excellent batting! A boundary through the off side now. A tough start for Bennett yet again. This is outside off and on a length. Kohli waits for it and then guides it down to third man for a boundary.
4.1
4
FOUR! Welcome into the attack, Bennett! Excellent wrist work from Kohli! This is angled into the body. Kohli uses his wrists to whip it behind square on the leg side and bags a boundary.
Change in bowling! Hamish Bennett to bowl the second last over of the Powerplay. He was expensive but also grabbed 3 wickets in the previous game.
In over# 1
0
1lb
1
2
1
0
Tim Southee 11/0(2)
3.6
.
Play and miss! Back of a length on top of the stumps, Rahul makes room and looks to go over point but he misses. Good over from the skipper, just 5 off it.
3.5
1lb
Pace off the surface is on display on this ball. Length delivery on middle and leg, Kohli looks to pull but the ball comes quicker off the surface and hits Kohli on his thigh pad. It rolls towards the off side and they take a leg bye.
3.4
1
Back of a length on the body, Rahul looks to pull it fine down the leg side but the ball zooms off the surface and clips his glove. It goes wide of short fine leg and gets a single.
3.3
2
Smart running this time. Length ball on middle, Rahul flicks it stylishly towards mid-wicket and takes a single. The fielder there has an unnecessary shy at the bowler's end. He scores a direct hit and the ball deflects it towards long off and they take an extra run.
3.2
1
Good running, expect a lot of these when Kohli is in the crease. Full on middle and leg, Virat pushes it towards mid on and takes a single.
3.1
.
Good length delivery, angling in to the Indian skipper. He tucks it to the leg side.
Tim Southee, the skipper, is back from the other end this time.
In over# 1
4
6
1
0
1
1
Mitchell Santner 13/0(1)
2.6
4
FOUR! Another huge over for India! The last two balls spoils the over completely. Rahul makes room this time and it is bowled full outside off. Rahul hits it through covers and bags a boundary.
2.5
6
SIX! Dealing in biggies are India! It is shorter in length and on middle, Rahul rocks back and pulls it just over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. India off to a flier here.
2.4
1
One more ball on the pads, Kohli works it behind square on the leg side for one.
2.3
.
Floats it up on off, Kohli drives it to the man at covers.
2.2
1
Angled into the pads, Rahul works it around the corner with soft hands and gets to the other end.
2.1
1
Shorter and on middle, it is pulled through square leg for one. Kohli is underway.
Mitchell Santner is on!
In over# 1
0
6
1wd
1nb
0
0W
0
1wd
6
Scott Kuggeleijn 15/1(1)
1.6
.
BEATEN! A good nut to end but a top over for India. It is just behind a driving length outside off. Rahul goes after it but is beaten.
1.5
6
SIX! Takes full toll of the Free Hit! Second biggie in the over. This is right in the slot. Full and outside off, Rahul clears his front leg and hammers it over the cover fence for a huge one. Already 15 from the over with a ball left.
FREE HIT is still on!
1.5
1wd
WIDE! Free Hit continues! A slower one way outside off, Rahul swings but misses.
FREE HIT TIME!!!
1.5
1nb
NO BALL! Now then, first it was signaled a wide but then the square leg umpire signals second bouncer of the over so it is now a no ball. Free Hit coming up now. It is short and down the leg side. The umpire first signals it as a wide but then gives it a no ball. Marginal Call that.
1.4
.
Shorter and around off, this is pushed towards cover-point.
Will Kohli once again experiment at number 3 with a new batsman or will the skipper come out in his usual position? It's the latter as Virat joins Rahul out in the middle.
1.3
W
OUT! In the air... Santner is actually struggling under it, he seems to have not picked it but he takes it in the end. Kuggeleijn has the last laugh. Six and out for Samson. Very similar to the last game he played for India. There too, he perished after hitting a biggie. It is a length ball around middle, Samson looks to go across the line, he tried playing a similar shot to the one he played on the first ball of this over. This time there is extra bounce. The bat turns in his hand and that's why the ball goes high up in the air towards the off side. Santner from covers runs in, he maybe fails to pick it but takes it with a dive forward. Santner later on smiles and indicates that the ball was swirling in the air and hence he struggled. Superb catch from the left-arm spinner, he is a brilliant fielder and this catch is a prime example of it. Samson fails to impress in the opportunity he gets. Good start for the Kiwis. An early wicket.
1.2
.
Outside off, slightly fuller. Samson strokes it to point.
1.2
1wd
A perfect fast bowler's response! Goes short but it is down the leg side. Wided.
1.1
6
SIX! How easy was that! Brilliant from Samson. That is some shot. This is fuller and angled into the pads, it is actually a delivery which Samson likes. He flicks it nonchalantly over the mid-wicket fence for the first biggie of the game.
Scott Kuggeleijn to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
1
2
1wd
Tim Southee 7/0(1)
0.6
1
A single to end! 7 from the first over. Slightly shorter and around off, Samson pushes it towards cover and takes one.
0.5
1
Uppish but just wide! A short delivery outside off, Rahul looks to drag the pull but does not hit it off the middle. It goes over mid-wicket. Mid on chases it down and it is only a single.
0.4
.
On the stumps again, Rahul works it to mid-wicket. First dot of the game.
0.3
1
Samson is off the mark too! This is angled into the pads, Samson works it wide of mid on and takes one.
0.2
1
Good running! Fuller in length and around middle, this is hit back towards mid on. Rahul calls immediately. The fielder at mid on does hit bull's eye at the non-striker's end but Rahul is well in.
0.1
2
Rahul is underway now! This is angled into the pads, Rahul works it through square leg. It is away from the fielder at fine leg and two is taken.
0.1
1wd
False start by Southee and India are underway! He slips this one down the leg side, probably looking to swing it away from there but it goes straight on. Rahul looks to flick but misses. Wided.
We are all set for the action to begin! The New Zealand players make their way onto the field and are taking their respective position. KL Rahul walks with a new opening partner in Sanju Samson. New Zealand skipper, Tim Southee to take the new ball first up. A wide slip in place for Rahul who will face the first ball.
Ish Sodhi is up for a quick interview with Scott Styris. He says they did a few things well in the last game. States they pulled things back well and also almost chased down a big total. Mentions the series is done but it is a chance to play for the Kiwis and they need to play well. Informs in Eden Park he tried to pull his length back a little as the ground is short and the pitch is hard but at the other venue it was turning and he looked to give it more air. Ends by saying they are without Williamson and that is a big hole to fill as he is one of the best batsman in the world. Says it should be a high scoring game with short square boundaries.
India Plying XI - Sanju Samson (In for Rohit Sharma), KL Rahul (WK), Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar (IN for Ravindra Jadeja), Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini (IN for Mohammed Shami).
New Zealand playing XI - Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Tom Bruce (In for Kane Williamson), Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert (WK), Daryl Mitchell (IN for Colin de Grandhomme), Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Southee (C), Ish Sodhi, Hamish Bennett.
Indian skipper, Virat Kohli says they would have bowled first too, it looks a good track though and should stay good throughout. States the wind can play a role and it is about being smart, you should be probably targeting with the wind and not against it. Mentions they have done well so far in this series and want to continue to do well. Also adds they just spoke how about how good the last game was, they haven't had such a game close game recently and it is an opportunity for the ones playing today to carry forward the momentum. Informs they have rested Jadeja, Sharma and Shami and they are replaced by Saini, Sundar and Samson.
New Zealand skipper, Tim Southee says it looks a pretty good surface and it skids on later on. Williamson has a niggle on his shoulder after a dive in the last game, it is nothing serious though. States they showed a lot of improvement in the last game and it is about to keep improving and they hope to do well here. Informs, Bruce and Daryl come in for de Grandhomme and Williamson.
TOSS - We are all in readiness for the toss. It is not Kane Williamson but Tim Southee who has walked out for the toss and he has the coin in hand. Indian skipper, Virat Kohli calls Heads but it comes down as Tails. NEW ZEALAND OPT TO BOWL!
Pitch Report - Scott Styris and VVS Laxman are doing the pitch report. The latter says it is a nice wicket to bat on, it is rock hard and there is even grass cover. Mentions the dimensions of the boundary will be a challenge for the bowlers, the straight boundaries are longer and the square ones are smaller, so the fuller length will be the one to bowl. Scott Styris ends by saying he does not expect a lot of turn and the ball should come on nicely throughout the game.
India have wrapped the series up and are now eying a whitewash. Virat Kohli and co. have showed skill, dominance and nerves of steel in the first 3 T20Is and it will be interesting to see if they tinker with the winning combination and if so how many changes they make. New Zealand, on the other hand, haven't been able to hold their nerves in the crucial moments and have some thinking to do. Pride is at stake for the Men in Black and they'll be desperate to get their first win of the series. Can New Zealand end their losing run or will it be India once again? Stay tuned to find out as the toss is not far away.
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