New Zealand vs India 2019: 3 takeaways from the 1st T20I
The first T20I match is over, with New Zealand defeating India by 80 runs. The Kiwis lost the toss and were sent to bat first, but put up a formidable 219 through their fiery batting.
India were unable to chase down the high target and lost all their wickets for 139 in 19.2 overs.
After a poor ODI series, New Zealand now have some breathing space. Here is a look at 3 takeaways from the match which portrayed the strong fighting qualities of the Kiwi team:
1. Tim Seifert gives us a glimpse of Brendon McCullum
Whenever New Zealand play a T20I match, we feel compelled to think of their former captain Brendon McCullum. McCullum frequently put in wonderful performances as a T20 opener for the Kiwis, and also for other league teams over the years.
Tim Seifert, with his fantastic innings today, gave us a blissful reminder of Baz. The young Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman notched up 84 runs from 43 balls which included seven boundaries and six maximums.
A sensational opening partnership was all that New Zealand needed from their opening pair in the whole ODI series. Seifert gave everyone a timely reminder that fiery openers still exist in the New Zealand camp.
It looks likely that the McCullum era is over after his Big Bash retirement. Seifert could possibly be the one that carries forward the legacy of the fearless Kiwi opener in international cricket if he gets more chances.