Ahead of the toss, which was delayed 2.5 hours due to wet outfield, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed that fast bowler Ishant Sharma, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane were all ruled out of the match due to their respective injuries.
While Virat Kohli replaced Rahane in the playing XI, Jayant Yadav came in place of Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj replaced Ishant. After winning the toss, Kohli decided to bat first, and his decision went great for the hosts as Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill gave India a solid start.
The exciting pair added 50 runs partnership in 19 overs, with both Mayank and Gill playing a string of stunning shots. One of such shot came from Mayank’s bat during the 14th over when he cleared the fence and struck the first six of India’s innings.
New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel, who was bowling the 14th over, was taken for a ride when he dropped the fourth ball of the over. The left-armer pitched it inside the line, and Mayank stepped out a little to smack the red-leather over long-off for a sensational six.
Here is the video:
“We’re batting first. Looks like a hard wicket and not a lot of grass. With the sun out, it should be the best time to bat. Rahane had a hammie niggle on Day 5, Jadeja has a swollen right forearm, and Ishant has an injury too. We just have to do the basics right, like in Kanpur. NZ must be given credit for batting out the overs on Day 5. We can be in positions to capitalize at home if we play well,” said Kohli during the toss.
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