IND vs NZ was a closely fought thriller. When you have the run machine at the helm of affairs, possibilities are endless. After the runout of Surya Kumar Yadav. The run chase looked like a distant dream, the last line of defence of the Indian batting unit was on the fence. India needed 90 runs to chase the campaign towards a victory.
New Zealand Playing XI
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c) (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
India Playing XI
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Surya Kumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammad Shami.
Mohammad Shami Calibre
The strike bowler of the Indian unit, didn’t have a seat at the high table. Hardik Pandya’s injury was a blessing in disguise, after all. New Zealand was restricted almost by 40 runs. Chasing 300 plus score on this pitch with five 5 fallen at 200. India would have been in a grave danger, if Shami didn’t took those crucial wickets at the end. In the recent past, Shami had restricted the kiwis in a bilateral series in a t20 match at Hamilton.
Read about the biggest Upset in World Cup History
New Zealand isn’t Tested
Tim Southee and Kane Williamson weren’t available for the match. It’s highly probable that IND will meet NZ in the final. Kane leading the pack is a different force altogether. His sensibility to hold on the nerves was in display in NZ vs BAN.
Shakib Ali Hasan hit a six over fine leg on a half timid bouncer by Lockie Ferguson. Kane Williamson appreciated Ferguson, despite being hit for a six. He was executing a well thought out plan. Kiwis knew Shakib won’t look to nab a single. He suffered from a cramp in previous over. Skipper adjusted the field accordingly. Ferguson went for a bouncer, top edge and a catch.
One Man Army
Last time I checked cricket was a team sport. Virat Kohli is the best batsman in the modern day cricket. The problem with dependance on a single match winner is complete submission. The way Virat Kohli brought the matches home has raised eyebrows across the cricket fraternity. Virat knew this would raise questions. A front foot defence on a over pitch ball looks like the individual has risen above the sport. This kind of cricket sets an unprecedented tone.
