Team India on November 7 created history after they thrashed New Zealand by six runs in the third and final Twenty20 International (T20I) at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on November 7. This is the first time that Virat Kohli & Co. clinched the T20I series against Kiwis. Virat Kohli, dedicated India’s win to former Indian captain and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as it was their idea to give Bumrah the penultimate over and Hardik Pandya the last one, which eventually became the game changers.
Bumrah delivered a superb performance with 2/9 in his two overs as the match was reduced to an eight overs a side affair following a delayed start due to wet outfield.
With 19 runs needed in the final over, Colin de Grandhomme did give the visitors a glimmer of hope when he smashed the third ball for a six. But with the Kiwis needing 12 runs off the last three balls, Pandya bowled a tidy line to ensure that India won the match and the series.
CHAMPIONS #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/eE3rsVQDjO
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 7, 2017
Earlier, after being asked to bat first Team India could only manage 67/5 on the scoreboard in their allotted eight overs. For India, Manish Pandey top scored with 17 (11 balls, 1×4, 1×6).
Fast bowler Tim Southee bowled well for New Zealand with figures of 2/13 in his two overs. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi copped some punishment from the Indian batsmen but ultimately ended up with figures of 2/23.
New Zealand wins the toss, elects to bowl first #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/mWwN0Yv0YV
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 7, 2017
In reply, the New Zealand batsmen struggled right from the start and could only manage 61/6 in their eight overs, thanks to brilliant bowling changes and outclass fielding efforts from the Indians.
#TeamIndia boys enjoying a game of football as rain plays spoilsport #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/iHsBBPoDKg
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 7, 2017
Virat Kohli, after winning the match, said,
We thought if we can take the run-rate up, it’s not going to be so easy. Rohit and MS (Dhoni) came up with Bumrah bowling the second last, and Hardik Pandya bowled the last over well.
Indian coach Ravi Shastri also praised pacer Jasprit Bumrah for his brilliant spell. Shastri said:
Outstanding temperament from Bumrah. He’s shown he’s got all the tools of the trade. But importantly, what he’s shown that he’s a thinking bowler.
Jasprit Bumrah was adjudged the Man of the Match.
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