Mitchell Santner rues missed opportunity of winning the ODI series

The 2nd ODI between India and New Zealand saw the Virat Kohli-led side cruise to a 6-wicket victory. Although the first match of the series had witnessed a clinical performance from the Kiwis, they were unable to execute their batting skills to the fullest in Sunday’s match. Bowling all-rounder, Mitchell Santner picked up a wicket in each of the two games, while maintaining a decent economy of 4.1 and 3.8 respectively.

The left-arm spinner expressed his disappointment having lost out on the chance of winning the series with a game in hand. He further opined that losing three early wickets cost them the game. The 3-match ODI series is currently poised delicately at 1-1.

Mitchell Santner feels India outclassed New Zealand

Speaking to the reporters at the post-match conference, Santner said, “Obviously it’s a little bit disappointing. I think credit has to go to India the way they bowled in the start and put us under pressure. Losing the first three in the first 10 overs is not ideal if you’re batting first. India dished out a clinical performance to outclass New Zealand by six wickets and level the series 1-1 with now the series decider to be played in Kanpur on October 29.”

“Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan (68) and Dinesh Karthik (64) struck timely half centuries as India chased the target without much fuss. We knew that 230 was a little under-par and then the way they came out and batted I guess took the game away from us. Shikhar (Dhawan) played pretty well and finished off with (Dinesh) Karthik in the end,” he added.

“It’s a bit disappointing with the loss tonight but we’ve learnt our part going to Kanpur. We’re hoping to take the series 2-1. Last year we didn’t put in a great performance to lose it 3-2 but I guess we can hit the ball rolling at Kanpur and then hopefully take the series 2-1,” Santner admitted that the Indian batters have dealt very smartly against spin.

“They’re very good players of spin and the Indian players have grown up playing a lot of spin so it makes your job a lot tougher. I think my job is to be quite economical and try taking wickets through the middle and if I can take a few that helps but I guess today (last night) they chased their total pretty well,” he added.