New Delhi: After an ODI whitewash, India and New Zealand began the first T20I in Ranchi under changed captains. With the foundation laid by Finn Allen, Devon Conway’s fifty and Daryl Mitchell’s power-hitting took New Zealand’s score to 176.
Washington Sundar’s two-wicket in an over could have been the turning point of the game but Daryl Mitchell hitting Arshdeep for 27 runs in the last over helped the visitors’ score to fly off.
The Blackcaps got a good start as out-of-form Finn Allen came back into his element and began with two boundaries in the first over. Realising pace bowlers going for runs, Hardik Pandya brought in Washington Sundar, who has been quite handy with the new ball. Sundar managed to dismiss Allen for 35 off 23 in his second over after getting hit for a six. He then took a remarkable catch to caught and bowled Mark Chapman.
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After a slowed-down momentum, it was Daryl Mitchell who counter-attacked and helped his side to put in a big total. Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Glenn Phillips off a googly and it was the partnership between Mitchell and Conway that brought the run rate back on track. Conway was dismissed for 52 off 35 after he mishit a ball by Arshdeep Singh, followed by Ishan Kishan’s direct hit to run out Michael Bracewell.
Sundar picked two wickets with Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep picking one each.
Ranchi is known for chases and looking at the dew, India has a chance to win the game. Nonetheless, a nailbiting game is expected ahead.
