After the series loss in the recently concluded ODI series, Kane Williamson-led side draws the first blood of the 3-match T20I series. They have completed outplayed Team India in all the departments of the game to bag a massive 80-run win. Tim Seiffert has been a star with the bat while Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee delivered with the ball. Earlier, the India skipper, Rohit Sharma had decided to bowl first after winning the toss.
Initially, it was Tim Seifert, who knocked the ball like a dream to give a flashy start for the team with his knock of 84 runs. He continued to smash even after the power play overs to make most of the opportunity in absence of Martin Guptill. his incredible effort pushed New Zealand to a massive 219-run tally on the board.
Talking about his knock, Seifert said, “It was a great way to start the series. We decided to see off a couple of overs. [Then it was] just play the game. I have been picked for some reason and I just backed myself.”
WATCH – Dhawan Cleaned-up By Ferguson’s 150+ Delivery
Coming into the chase, Indians never really got going, as Kiwis bowlers delivered some decent with their line and lengths. Lockie Ferguson was the star, who got the wickets when it requires the most. Ish Sodhi and Southee also chipped in at times.
Speaking after the victory, the skipper Kane Williamson expressed his happiness for the boys, who showed great effort on the field against the world-class team. Further, he called it was the complete team performance from the team to take the lead in the series.
During the post-match presentation, Kane said, ”Fantastic performance all around, everyone rose and it was one of those complete performances that you search for. The top-order were superb and we built partnerships that helped us. Some really good experiences for the boys, some of the short contributions are of great importance. The bowling and fielding too were of high stands. A complete performance that doesn’t happen every day and hopes we can keep the momentum through the series. We and the White Ferns have copied each other through the series and hopefully, we can carry it forward.”
WATCH – Khaleel Ahmed Gets The Priced Wicket Of Tim Seifert
Well, as Kane Williamson said, it was a brilliant win for the team. All the players have chipped in with the performances at the right moment to go 1-0 up in the 3-match ODI series.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma credited the Black Caps for a dominating performance. He said that India lacked small partnerships and that is the main reason behind their loss. He also sounded upbeat about coming back in the next game on February 8 (Friday).
Rohit Explained, “It was a tough game. We were outplayed in all three departments. We have chased such targets in the past and that is why we played with eight batsmen, but we didn’t have small partnerships and that made it tough. New Zealand though played well, they had partnerships. As a team, we have been good at chasing down targets which is why we play with eight batsmen, but we just couldn’t do it tonight. We need to go to Auckland, assess at the conditions and take it forward.”
