New Zealand vs India 2019: 3 Takeaways from the 2nd T20I
The second T20I match between New Zealand and India is over. New Zealand put up a decent total of 158/8 in 20.0 overs. India had no problems chasing the target as they did so by scoring 162/3 in 18.5 overs and won the match by 7 wickets.
The excellent win in the last match and a silent defeat in this match show New Zealand's distinct personalities. After the last match victory, most of the cricketing fans would have expected a demonstration of Kiwi dominance but it did not happen. They are giving a hard time to their supporters for sure.
The match was one of its kind which showed great signs for India's future. Let us ponder on the key takeaways this match had to offer.
#1 Some moments to cherish for Colin de Grandhomme
Despite being in a forgettable series for New Zealand against India, Colin de Grandhomme has made some moments to cherish. The Kiwi all-rounder got his best ODI bowling figures of 3/26 during the 4th ODI game against India.
During this T20I game, Colin de Grandhomme made his maiden T20I half-century. What more can an all-rounder ask from a tough series against one of the best touring teams in world cricket at the moment?
He came in to bat after the huge wicket of his skipper Kane Williamson. When negativity overwhelmed the Kiwi camp, he made sure to provide stability to the batting order and helped the team post a decent total at the end of the innings.
#2 Milestones for the Hitman
Grandhomme may have moments but Rohit achieved milestones in this match. The Hitman knocked 50 runs from 29 balls before going down. His twentieth half-century came in this match. This makes him the batsman with the most number of T20I fifties.
He is now beyond Virat, Guptill, Gayle, and McCullum in the maximum number of T20I fifties. As of now, Rohit is the most T20I run-getter in the world with 2288 runs. This proves that the best T20 batsman in international cricket at the moment belongs to India.
If his current form continues for long, he will prove to be pivotal at the 2020 T20I World Cup. It would not be a matter of surprise if this man ends up as the best T20 batsman in international cricket when he hangs up his boots.
#3 Haunted by the present and the future
It was a beautiful end for the match with MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant finishing it. The greatest wicket-keeper batsman for India and his likely successor finishing the match would have been a sweet haunting sight for many cricketing fans.
Presently, New Zealand find themselves in a very negative situation. They lost the ODI series and now the T20I series looks a bit sloppy for them. This is not a good thing for the future as the Kiwis have a World Cup coming up.
Consistency is a much-needed asset to any side which they would want to win the World Cup. India have that consistency at the moment but the Kiwis are struggling to be consistent even though they had a strong showing in the fourth ODI and the first T20I.
The Kiwi hunting ground Seddon Park hosts the next T20I match which would be a fitting decider. At least a victory there for the Black Caps would give them some encouragement as they face the future.
What are your opinions on the match? Who do you think would win the next match which is the T20I series decider? Comment below.