Here's why New Zealand players were sporting pink paint on their faces against India

Team India decimated New Zealand on their home soil by whitewashing the Kiwis in the five-match T20I series. After sealing the series in the third T20I itself, the Men in Blue cruised to a Super Over victory in the fourth match followed by a seven-run triumph in the fifth and final encounter of the series.

Tim Southee and troops were aiming to salvage themselves by picking up a much-needed win in the final T20I of the series. After restricting India to 163/3 in the first innings, New Zealand were looking to cruise to a convincing victory especially at a point when the Kiwis required 57 runs from 54 deliveries.

However, the never-ending affair of New Zealand choking in the latter overs continued as no other batsman apart from Ross Taylor (53) managed to stick in the middle. Ish Sodhi managed to pull off two massive sixes in the ultimate over of Shardul Thakur but couldn’t sail his side’s ship to the shore. The hosts suffered a seven-run defeat, taking their tally to 23 defeats at home– most by any side in T20 Internationals.

New Zealand will be aiming to retaliate in the ODI series

Apart from New Zealand’s disappointing show, one thing that caught the attention of many fans was the Kiwi players sporting pink colour on their face. At the first glimpse, it looked like the players were wearing sunscreen on their faces. However, that was not the case. The BlackCaps were sporting the pink colour to brace a special cause.

It was the Kiwi side’s way to support the women’s New Zealand women’s team– White Ferns, ahead of their T20 World Cup campaign. ANZ, the official sponsors of New Zealand cricket, has requested the fans to either visit their branch to pick up the free zinc or use the supporter filter on Facebook. Tim Southee and Co. diligently extended their support to women’s side ahead of the marquee event.

12 overs into the Indian batting innings at Bay Oval. India 101/2 Bennett dismissing Rahul for 45 in the 12th. Pink zinc on in support of the @WHITE_FERNS ahead of the @T20WorldCup. LIVE scoring | https://t.co/C9zslxZiaE #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/0bK6ixinhR

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 2, 2020

After exhibiting an unimpressive performance in the T20I series, the hosts will be looking to retaliate in the three-match ODI series. India and New Zealand are slated to lock horns in the ODI series starting from 5 February at Seddon Park.