Kolkata, November 21st : , A great fifty from captain Rohit Sharma (56 runs off 31), and some late charges by the lower-order helped India score a competitive victory of 184-7 over New Zealand in Sunday’s third T20I at the iconic Eden Gardens. Rohit was not the only one to get off to a good start.
Venkatesh Iyer (29), Ishan Kishan (27) and Shreyas Iyer (25) all had great starts, but failed in their quest for success.Mitchell Santner (3/27), was the top wicket-taker of the Kiwis.
Rohit Sharma and Ishankishan opened the innings for India after winning the toss.They looked amazing and were a great host, taking India to 69/0 by the end of Powerplay.
After the field restrictions had been lifted, however, the Black Caps brought back spinners and they did great.In the seventh over, the Kiwi stand-in captain Santner bowled out Ishan Kishan (29 runs) and Suryakumar Yadav (0 runs).
This was enough to tie India back into the match.
Rishabh and Rohit Pant were given the task of forming a new partnership after two wickets fell in rapid succession.
Pant ((4)), who was having a bad start in the middle of the match, missed Santner’s delivery and got out.India were at 83/3 with nine overs remaining.
Rohit and Shreyas, who came in at No 5 respectively, tried to get India back into the tournament by rotating strike frequently.The Indian captain scored his 26th T20I fifty with an impressive four runs in 27 deliveries.
India asked for their captain to continue even after his 50th, but IshSodhi sent Rohit (56), back with an excellent caught-and-bowled effort.
India reached 103-4 after 11.2 overs.Two Iyers, Venkatesh and Shreyas out in the middle, were needed to stabilize the innings.
After taking their time, they settled in and struck occasional boundaries to take India to 133/4.
Both Iyers were left with five overs remaining.
They decided to end the chains but failed and were both dismissed consecutively.Trent Boult was able to get rid of Venkatesh (20), in the final ball of 16 over.
Adam Milne, however, dismissed Shreyas IIyer (25) in his first delivery of 17 over.
India suffered a loss of momentum in the final overs.
It was now time for Axar and Harshal to lead the host to a winnable score.Harshal who is the Haryana’s top batsman, played an average appearance of 18 runs, before being outed by Lockie Ferguson in 19th over.
Deepak Chahar (21), also scored two boundaries and an outfield six to bring India to Eden Gardens, where it is now at 184-7.
Brief scores:
India 184-7 in 20 Overs (Rohit Sharma 56, Ishan Kishan 29; Mitchell Santner 3/27) against New Zealand
avn/bsk #Rohits #fifty #India
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