The pace battery of the Indian bowling unit didn’t even give breathing space to New Zealand batters, picking six wickets in the first 19 overs with a total score of 56. Senior speedster Mohammed Shami was the most successful bowler for the Men in Blue in the early stages of the game, taking three wickets for 18 runs in six overs, including a maiden.
Similarly, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur also contributed to the wicket-tally, with one scalp each. Vice-captain Hardik Pandya, too, joined the party and bagged one wicket by taking an absolute blinder on his own bowling.
It all happened during the 10th over when Hardik came over the wicket to Devon Conway and bowled a good length delivery outside the off-stump. The left-handed batter leant forward and drove it low to the left of the bowler. Hardik, who was on his followthrough, stuck his left hand out, and the white leather stuck in his hand.
Here is the video:
New Zealand batters found it difficult to score runs and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The visitors will need to regroup and rebuild their innings in order to post a competitive total. India, on the other hand, will be looking to continue the domination and restrict Black Caps on a low total in order to secure a victory in this match.
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