With his dazzling cameo of 37* off 16 deliveries, the Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar registered his name in the record books as he amassed the fastest 30+ score by an Indian in New Zealand. Suresh Raina, at a strike rate of 211.11, had amassed 38* off 18 deliveries against the Black Caps in 2009 and held the record ever since. However, Sundar on Friday went past Raina at a thunderous strike rate of 231.25.
The 23-year-old’s spectacular innings helped the men in blue to register a score of 306/7 in 50 overs against the Kiwis. Batting first, stand-in captains Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill gave India a cautious start as both the openers registered respective half-centuries. Shreyas Iyer looked sharp once again in the middle order and scored 80 off 76 deliveries and ended up being India’s leading run-scorer in the match.
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Washington Sundar wreaked havoc with his bat and was very happy with his batting. When asked about his plans after the first innings, Sundar revealed his approach and mentioned the importance of timing and power.
can you blame us for making the obvious '𝐀𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫' pun for this Washi batting video? 😅
Watch the 1st #NZvIND ODI, LIVE & EXCLUSIVE on Prime Video: https://t.co/3btfvTeRUG@Sundarwashi5 #NZvINDonPrime #CricketOnPrime pic.twitter.com/pBVvRBAmZP
— prime video IN (@PrimeVideoIN) November 25, 2022
During the innings break, Washington Sundar said, “It was great to get some runs. I have to let my instincts go through, I also plan my shots, there’s a program. It’s important to get the timing right, along with the power. It’s a par score, if we bowl well we’ll be able to win this.”
WATCH – Tom Latham Gives A Lifeline To Shreyas Iyer As He Mistimes His Jump
With three quick wickets of Finn Allen, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell, India was cruising toward a massive win over New Zealand in the first ODI of the series. However, captain Kane Williamson and Tom Latham started smashing the Indian bowlers all-over the park to help the host to register a comfortable win by 7 wickets and 17 balls to spare.
Tom Latham, with a strike rate of 139.42, smashed 145 off 104 deliveries while Williamson missed his century by six runs as he finished unbeaten on 94 from 98 deliveries.
