Former New Zealand skipper, Daniel Vettori reckons that the Indian team can become a formidable force in the shortest format of the game if Harshal Patel manages to form a partnership with Jasprit Bumrah. Harshal won player of the match on his international debut, giving away just 16 runs in his last couple overs which put the breaks on the New Zealand innings.

During a chat on ESPNCricinfo, Daniel Vettori said, “The ability to set up the backovers is so important in T20 cricket. If Harshal Patel has that ability, we obviously know that Bumrah does, it brings a whole new dynamic to how you map out your 20 overs.”

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In addition to conceding just 16 runs, Harshal Patel also took the wicket of the dangerous Glenn Phillips. He, Deepak Chahar, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar combined to give just 25 runs in the last four overs of the New Zealand innings.

Elaborating the same, Daniel Vettori said, “Your first six overs can be more attacking, you may have a specialist at the top because you know you have got those overs locked away at the back. There are not many bowlers who can do it and if India has two of Bumrah and Harshal, it sets them up for being such a formidable team.”

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New Zealand ended their innings on 153/6. During the chase, skipper, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul’s opening partnership of 117 runs all but ended the match. While New Zealand captain, Tim Southee dismissed Rohit, Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav in consecutive overs, it was not enough to stop the Indian team from strolling to a seven-wicket win. It helped India seal a series win with one match left to play.