India vs New Zealand 2019: 4 Reasons why India dominated in the 2nd ODI
India were clinical once again in the second ODI as they completely outplayed the Kiwis at Mount Maunganui. The Kiwis were below par in all three departments as they lost the game by 90 runs.
Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat first as he wanted to test the batting while setting a score. India went in with an unchanged XI while the Blackcaps made two changes in their line-up. Batting first, Sharma and Dhawan put up a 154 run opening partnership.
Some useful contributions from Kohli, Rayudu, Dhoni and Kedar helped India post a huge total of 324-4. New Zealand started the chase decently but they kept losing wickets at regular intervals as they were bundled out for 234 in 40.2 overs.
With back to back wins, India now leads the series by a margin of 2-0. The Indians will be just looking to carry on the momentum in the next game and seal the series.
On the other hand, New Zealand will have to make a comeback if they want to remain in the hunt to win the series. Let’s have a look at four reasons why India dominated the 2nd ODI.
#1 An excellent opening partnership
Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan showed why they are rated so highly as a deadly opening combo. They gave a brilliant start to the team in the 2nd ODI as they put up an opening partnership of 154 that was quicker than run a ball.
This was their 14th century stand together and they are slowly and steadily climbing the ladder for most opening century stands.
Dhawan carried on from where he left at Napier in the first ODI as he looked really good during his innings of 66. On the other hand, Rohit took his time initially but later on covered it up as he scored 87 off 96 balls.
Both of them were excellent in the first ten overs as they hit a boundary almost every over. That didn’t allow the bowlers to settle and as a result, they went for runs.
The opening partnership of 154 set the perfect platform for India to make a big score.