India vs New Zealand 2019, 3rd T20I: 5 major talking points
New Zealand edged out India in the final match at Hamilton to lay their hands on the T20I series. The win meant that India were unable to cap off their wonderful tour Down Under with another victory.
After being put into bat, New Zealand started off strongly with Seifert and Munro again proving India’s nemesis. Though Seifert departed in the eighth over, his opening partner continued on his merry way to notch up 72.
The middle-order too performed their duties with aplomb and ensured that the hosts breached the 200 mark for the second time in the series.
Set a target of 213, India lost Shikhar Dhawan early to Santner. Vijay Shankar and Rohit Sharma resurrected the innings and provided India with the platform to mount a late assault.
Though the Indians were pretty successful in pulling out the big shots at the end, the total of 213 just proved a step too far for the visitors.
Here is a look at the five major talking points from the game:
#5 Colin Munro finally finds form
Ever since Brendon McCullum hung up his boots, New Zealand has been looking for an equally belligerent option at the top of the order. Colin Munro has been that alternative for a while, yet his form this summer left a lot to be desired.
However, on Sunday, the left-hander was at his aggressive best and came up with a match-winning 72.
Right from the outset, he made his intentions clear and looked menacing. He went down the track to smash Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a six off his first ball and never looked back.
Moreover, he was able to handle the spin threat effectively before perishing to Kuldeep Yadav.
Munro is a pivotal part of New Zealand’s plans going into the World Cup. For years, they have wanted an attacking option at the top to ease the burden of the scoring rate on the likes of Williamson and Taylor. Thus, the importance of a fit and firing Munro can’t be overstated enough.
After an indifferent summer, New Zealand needs to be given credit for persisting with their opener. And if the innings on Sunday is anything to go by, they might just reap the benefits of it in the games to come.