New Zealand secured their first win of the series with an emphatic victory over India at Vizag on Wednesday as the Kiwis posted a total of 215 runs in 20 overs before dismissing the hosts for 165 runs in 18.4 overs.
Tim Seifert top-scored for NZ with his 62-run knock off just 36 deliveries, while Devon Conway added 44 runs in 23 balls. Daryll Mitchell chipped in with a brisk 39 off 18 deliveries to help the Kiwis to their total. Mitchell Santner starred with the ball as the skipper picked up a three-fer to limit the hosts 50-runs short of the target.
“I think the way we started in the power play was kind of what India have been doing to us a little bit. And then to get to a decent score, but we knew that at least 200 is never safe against India.”
“The way they took on the bowlers in the powerplay was outstanding and set us up for a decent score. There was a little period in the middle where we lost wickets, but I guess with a start like that, and then obviously finished off by Daryl and Foulkes a little bit, which was nice.”
Santner touched up on the impetus of gaining game experience in Indian soil ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup slated to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
“You know, we’re trying to think what we’re likely to get. I mean, like I said at the start, there’s no better prep than playing India in India for a World Cup.”
“So we’ve got a couple of guys back for the next game, which is nice. But again, it’s about getting our plans right, getting the roles sorted for what we’ve got coming up in the Cup.”
Santner picked up the crucial wickets of Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah to register a three-wicket haul, which powered the tourists to a consolation win in a series India have already wrapped up.
“It looked like it was going to be flat and not spinning. I think it was a little bit tacky at the end, and on the seam it was spinning when you bowled slow.”
“So I guess I don’t need a second invitation to bowl slow either. I think partnerships throughout, obviously wickets at the start are crucial, and it makes our job as spinners a little bit easier in the middle,” he concluded.
