India v New Zealand, 2nd T20I - Who Said What

After a one-sided affair at Delhi in the first T20I, the action moved to Rajkot for the second game of the 3-match series between India and New Zealand. Much to the disappointment of the fans, the match turned out to be another one-sided affair – albeit with the fortunes exchanged between the two sides. New Zealand dominated the hosts in all departments of the game.

They won the match convincingly by 40 runs to set up the final match at Trivandrum as the decider for the series. In the match, Kiwi openers Colin Munro and Martin Guptill added 105 for the opening wicket, with the former scoring his second T20I century on the day. His unbeaten 109 saw the Kiwis post 196 on the board. In response, the Indian team could never get in the hunt owing to some spectacular bowling from Trent Boult and Ish Sodhi.

While Boult bagged wickets at will, Sodhi kept things tight in the middle. India finished with 156 on the board to concede the game. Ish Sodhi, who returned with figures of 1/25 in his four overs, called the track to be a flat deck. He expressed his happiness over the way he cleaned up Hardik Pandya with a lovely delivery.

Ish Sodhi

Ish Sodhi said: It was a flat wicket, the hundred by Colin Munro was special, he will remember it for the rest of his life. It started to spin in the second innings, the ball got scruffed up and started helping the bowlers. I have practiced the googly a lot in the nets, wanted it to bowl at the right time. I don’t have a get out of jail delivery as much, but I want to add variety to my game. T20 is a great challenge, it’s action packed and bowling well tonight was a great plus.

India Captain – Virat Kohli

The Indian captain Virat Kohli credited the New Zealand side for the way they batted on the day. He, however, had words of praise for his bowlers for having pulled things back in the game after conceding a lot of runs in the initial overs. He did not let the blame come to MS Dhoni as said that the ask was a little too much towards the end.

Virat Kohli said: I mean I thought New Zealand were pretty good with the bat. At one stage we were looking for 220-30 but credit to Bumrah and Bhuvi to have pulled things back. But eventually we were not good with bat. When you chasing 200, all batsmen need to chip in or one guy needs to go over 200. MS was very good in the end, but we left ourselves too much to get. That happens, you want to go for big shots. It has happened with a lot of batsmen where you don’t get to go on strike. Not during the early half of the innings. Maybe after 13-14 overs it started gripping. We lost the toss, we did not get to choose what we would have done. We were just not good enough on the day.

New Zealand Captain – Kane Williamson

Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was humble as ever citing that it needed a special effort to beat the Indian team. He commended the efforts of Colin Munro and Martin Guptill. He was very pleased with the way the bowlers shaped up as well.

Kane Williamson said: I guess a contrasting performance from the last game. We need to play well to beat this side, and we were able to do so today. Absoultely, it was a great partnership. Fantastic hundred from him (Munro). Guptill at the top and then Tom Bruce coming in. Great performance from the bowlers on this wicket. Two spinners, they are pretty experienced in this format and they bowled well during tough phases of the game.

Player of the Match – Colin Munro

Colin Munro was adjudged the Man of the Match for his herculean effort with the bat on the day. He remained unbeaten on 109 off just 58 deliveries with 7 fours and as many sixes to his name. He pointed out that he had a few lucky escapes in the game but all of that is a part of the proceedings. He looked pretty happy with the way things shaped up for him in the match.

Colin Munro said: Few chances went my way, but that’s T20 cricket, you need luck your way. Felt good with the bat, but had been getting out at funny times. Love batting at the top of the order. The way I and Guptill batted today, it was great. The way I bat, it is the same every time: when I am chasing a target of 120 or above 200. Get out there, stay still and try and hit the ball for four or six or if it is not there, get off the strike. It came off today, play the ball on its merit and swing hard.