India vs New Zealand 2017: 3rd T20I, 5 things we learnt from the match
Jasprit Bumrah delivered two outstanding overs, conceding just nine runs and picking up the vital wickets of Colin Munro and Henry Nicholls, to help India defend 67 in a rain-shortened series decider at Trivandrum on Tuesday. With just eight overs to play, Indian batsmen couldn't quite get going as New Zealand bowled with discipline and tack on a two-paced wicket.
The visitors were always favourites after they had restricted the hosts to 67 but Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled Guptill with a knuckleball and Bumrah sent Munro back in the next over to leave the Kiwis grappling. Chahal and Kuldeep bowled two further economical overs as New Zealand found themselves needing 29 in 12 balls. Bumrah gave just 10 away (4 of them in byes) as Hardik Pandya was left with 19 to defend. He conceded just 12 and India cruised to a series victory.
#5 Rain almost ruins Trivandrum's return to International cricket
Kerala hadn't witnessed an ODI for a long time with Kochi being the last venue to host an International cricket match. But a pretty grand stadium in the capital city of the state prompted the BCCI to stage a T20 International here as New Zealand came visiting. With torrential rains in the state, a return to International cricket seemed rather unlikely a day before.
The toss was delayed as rains continued to pour down in the state, but eventually, an eight-over contest was possible after some admirable work from the ground staff post the rains. A rather large crowd had gathered hours before the start of the game to witness a rare spectacle in the city and thankfully an eight-over delight satisfied their appetite.