Displaying their renowned fighting spirit, New Zealand tore down the pre-tournament form book by inflicting a humiliating 47-run defeat on title favourites and hosts India at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday.
Routed for 79 in chase of New Zealand’s modest 126, it was only India’s second defeat in Twenty20 internationals this year. The first was at Pune against Sri Lanka where the wicket came under the scanner for being too pacer-friendly. Here, the playing surface was again under the lens. This time the curator seems to have overdone in his attempt to provide the home team the advantage by preparing a turning track.While the spinners weaved a web around NZ, forcing them to lose early wickets, Ross Taylor and Corey Anderson built a partnership. However, bowler Raina’s agility found non-striker Taylor short of crease. NZ could never recover after that, although Anderson saw them to respectability.
In a tricky run chase and against athletic Kiwis, Virat Kohli was going to be the key. With Dhoni at the other end, India had the two best finishers. However, Kohli fell, edging a delivery from Ish Sodhi. India were five down and out.
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