New Zealand adapted well to the spin-friendly conditions at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, with a 21-run win over India in Friday’s opening T20I.
The pitch, characterized by a twist and spongy bounce, made it difficult for hitters to time their shots. In that regard, New Zealand first surpassed expectations as he scored 176 on six shots. Then spinners Michael Bracewell (2/31) and Mitchell Santner (2/11) took over and deconstructed the Indian hunt.
India’s hopes rested on Suryakumar Yadav, who was comfortable with 47 on 34 balls. Suryakumar was sent off in the 12th inning and leg spinner Ish Sodhi was scalped, sending India into a deep pit. The letters were on the wall when Captain Hardik Pandya crashed on several deliveries.
Washington Sundar (50, 28b, 5×4, 3×6) hit some big his shots, but too few and too late.
The damage was done early on when top-flight sluggers Shubman Gill (7), Ishan Kishan (4) and Rahul Tripati (0) were sent back cheaply. Skipper and left-arm spinner Santner was the most impressive, bowling the maiden with PowerPlay. After getting used to hitting, New Zealand has been matched by the enterprising spirit of Darryl Mitchell (59 n.o., 30b, 3×4, 5×6), Devon Conway (52, 35b, 7×4, 1×6) and Finn Allen (35, 23b , 4×4). We achieved a good total thanks to a wealth of shots. , 2×6).
Pacers Hardy Kupandia and Ashdeep his Singh took a new ball but failed to hit the correct area. Too many full outdoor deliveries left Allen free to swing.
The Washington Thunder’s introduction to offense showed Spins dominating the quarter. The off-spinner maintained a perfect length and persuaded Allen to miss a sweep to Slyakumar at deep mid-wicket. In the same over, Sundar foxed Mark Chapman with three flat skidders and delivered a flying ball. Chapman was all the way out to sea and pushed forward to provide a sharp fallback for a diving thunder.
Conway kept ticking and got down on his one knee to sweep the spinner. Southpaw departed on the 18th and made a long off over Ashdeep Singh.
Dess His Arshdeep’s reputation as a specialist in his overs took a big hit in his overs in the final. A left-arm seamer failed to find Yorker and allowed Mitchell 27 runs.Ashdeep’s first three deliveries, including a no-ball, were hit six by Mitchell. His throw on the next ball, wide and full, was whittled past four points.
Mitchell’s most recent achievement blew the wind out of India’s sails.