Batting second, the Men in Blue didn’t have the biggest of targets to chase as they bowled out the Islanders for just 215 in the first innings. However, India’s top three – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Kohli – departed for 17, 21, and 4 runs, respectively. Shreyas Iyer scored 28 odd runs but it was KL Rahul who played a patient knock of 64 not out and guided his team to victory.
Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his 3 wickets for 51.
With India now taking a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series, Kohli and Ishan looked in a jubilant mood as they entertained the fans with their dance moves during a light show in Kolkata.
Here’s the video:
‘Games like these teach you a lot’: Rohit
At the post-match presentation, Team India captain Rohit said that it was one of those games where there was plenty to learn from.
“It was a close game but games like these teach you a lot. We had to build an innings under pressure. KL has been batting at five for a long period of time now and it gives us the depth. Gives you the confidence as well at the top of the order for us to go and bat freely,” he said.
“It was a good display of batsmanship. It’ll be nice to have a left-hander, but I don’t believe too much into it. Ideally we would like to have a left-hander, but we know the quality of the right-handers who are out there in the middle. They can tackle situations when put under pressure,” the 35-year-old added.
The third and last ODI between the two sides is scheduled to be played on January 15 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
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