The T20I series decider between hosts India and New Zealand got off to a blistering start in front of a full house at the Narendra Modi Stadium, owing to the early assault of Rahul Tripathi on the Kiwi bowlers. Tripathi fell short of a deserved half-century after providing a solid start to the home side.
Team India started off slowly after Ishan Kishan failed to impress for a third consecutive time. Despite that early wicket, the home side ensured a successful powerplay, thanks to a rollicking stand between Shubman Gill and Rahul Tripathi. Gill was the aggressor initially before his batting partner decided to go hell for the leather.
Tripathi, who endured a tough time in the opening two matches, was creating havoc for the Kiwi bowlers with his constant movement at the crease. While Shubman Gill smashed Blair Tickner for three boundaries in his first over, Tripathi dished out two eye-catching strikes in the very next over against Lockie Ferguson. He was threatening to take the game away from the visitors before Ish Sodhi put an end to his breathtaking 44 off just 22 deliveries.
Hang on to your seats, for a whirlwind Powerplay has just ended!
Yeh toh sirf 6️⃣ overs the. Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost!Will #TeamIndia dictate the rest of the innings? #BelieveInBlue and tune-in to the 3rd Mastercard #INDvNZ T20I, LIVE 📺 on Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar. pic.twitter.com/WPmfeh1nHP
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 1, 2023
— MINI BUS 2022 (@minibus2022) February 1, 2023
While Rahul Tripathi was visibly disappointed with his shot selection, falling one big shot away from a blistering half-century, he had provided a brilliant platform for the incoming Suryakumar Yadav. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill managed to register his maiden century in the format, ensuring a brisk scoring rate for his side. He was joined by the Indian skipper Hardik Pandya in the middle after the departure of Suryakuamar Yadav following a swift cameo.
Twitterati expressed their sentiments on social media over the incident after the dismissal and praised the batter for his explosive knock of 44 runs from 22 balls.
Rahul Tripathi in dressing room after missing first fifty#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/DVs5t50ibD
— Bharbhuti ji (@crickdevil) February 1, 2023
Well played Rahul Tripathi 🔥👌#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/P1oUoyVFfh
— Maddy (@BelikeGVM) February 1, 2023
Em chestham bro ma blood lo statpadding ane padhaniki chotu ledhu 🌝🚶🏿♂️
— H V (@hvck99) February 1, 2023
We need Rahul Tripathi and Suryakumar Yadav batting together. #INDvNZ
— Sree Menon (@sreehariimenon) February 1, 2023
Rahul Tripathi was hitting good balls for boundaries and got out on a half tracker.
Intent merchant of the highest order. What a knock.
— Jaammii.. (@Jaammiing) February 1, 2023
Rahul tripathi is the star in the sky
— Sniper 👑 (@Harshit24411636) February 1, 2023
Santner after Rahul tripathi got out.#INDvNZ #rahultripathi #Santner pic.twitter.com/jcPCM4q5At
— Ullas (@Ullasshetty48) February 1, 2023
Switched on the match to see Rahul Tripathi get out 😐
— Gaurav R. Pradhan (@gauravprad) February 1, 2023
