With their first ever victory in T20Is in New Zealand, a Rohit Sharma-led India drew level in the ongoing T20I series. New Zealand opted to bat at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday. Indian bowlers struck early, not letting the Kiwi top-order get off to a comfortable start. Ross Taylor and Colin de Grandhomme notched up the first significant partnership for the hosts, adding 77 runs for the fifth wicket. New Zealand put up a par 158 for 8 at the end of their innings.
India were off to a comparatively smoother start, with Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan building a 79-run opening stand. However, midway through the innings, the partnership was broken and both openers were sent back in quick succession. Rishabh Pant took charge from then on, playing a quickfire 40 off 28, decorated with 4 fours and a six. He remained unbeaten as India reached the winning mark with 7 balls to spare.
Krunal Pandya remained the key bowler for India as he dismissed Colin Munro, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, reducing New Zealand to 50 for 4. He was the Player of the Match. It was a fruitful outing for Rohit who scored his 16th half-century in T20Is, going past Martin Guptill to become the highest run-getter in the format. He now has 2288 runs in T20Is.
India and New Zealand will meet at Hamilton on Sunday for the decider.
With their first ever victory in T20Is in New Zealand, a Rohit Sharma-led India drew level in the ongoing T20I series. New Zealand opted to bat at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday. Indian bowlers struck early, not letting the Kiwi top-order get off to a comfortable start. Ross Taylor and Colin de Grandhomme notched up the first significant partnership for the hosts, adding 77 runs for the fifth wicket. New Zealand put up a par 158 for 8 at the end of their innings.
India were off to a comparatively smoother start, with Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan building a 79-run opening stand. However, midway through the innings, the partnership was broken and both openers were sent back in quick succession. Rishabh Pant took charge from then on, playing a quickfire 40 off 28, decorated with 4 fours and a six. He remained unbeaten as India reached the winning mark with 7 balls to spare.
Krunal Pandya remained the key bowler for India as he dismissed Colin Munro, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, reducing New Zealand to 50 for 4. He was the Player of the Match. It was a fruitful outing for Rohit who scored his 16th half-century in T20Is, going past Martin Guptill to become the highest run-getter in the format. He now has 2288 runs in T20Is.
India and New Zealand will meet at Hamilton on Sunday for the decider.
