Team India left the ghost of Wellington defeat behind and registered a comfortable 7-wicket win at Auckland’s Eden Park. With this win, the scoreline of three-match T20I series reads 1-1 with the series decider will be played in Hamilton on February 10. Chasing 159, Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni took India over the line in just 18.5 overs.
Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was in full of praise for young Pant, saying that his knock like these will go a long way in making a strong case for his inclusion in the World Cup squad.
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“Rishabh Pant made full use of his opportunity today and batting with MS Dhoni. When he hit a few casual shots, Dhoni walked up to him and explained what he needed to do. After that he played safer shots, down the ground and hit only the balls which were there to be hit,” Harbhajan said.
“Every opportunity will take Pant closer to the World Cup squad, especially if he continues to keep scoring like this. I fell he has that X factor which India will need in the World Cup. Pant is someone who can change games,” he added.
Harbhajan Singh also lauded the Indian cricket team’s win, praising the teams resolve after the loss in the previous game.
“It is very big win for India and with that the series is also level at 1-1. It is great sign and I feel overall India played good cricket. There was improvement from the previous T20I,” he quoted on Aaj Tak.
Bhajji credited Indian bowlers for this comprehensive win, especially Krunal Pandya for his man-of-the-match performance of 3 wickets off just 28 runs from fours over.
“In my opinion, the bowlers should get the credit for the win. The way they bowled. Krunal Pandya made a brilliant effort,” he said.
Giving special mention to Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan said “Rohit Sharma’s innings was spectacular. He batted really well. Must give credit to Rohit Sharma for his batting as well as his captaincy. There was a lot of improvement in the team from the previous game, the bowling changes were spot on and the bowlers themselves did their job perfectly.”
Rohit blazed away to a record fifty, which helped him to leapfrog over Virat Kohli to become the player with most 50+ scored in the T20Is.
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Praising the stand-in Indian skipper, Bhajji said “I have run out of adjectives to praise Rohit Sharma’s batting. He doesn’t get affected by pace, there was swing as well today and there was bounce too. Rohit batted masterfully and gave India the perfect start.”
When asked about how the series might pan out, Harbhajan said, “Now the series is becoming fun as it level. India will play cricket like this in Hamilton and win the series 2-1.”
The final match will be played in Hamilton on February 10, where the winner will take it all as the series is on the line.
