India began their 3 match series against New Zealand with a loss on Friday. Chasing 177 to win India could manage only 155 on the board to lose by 21 runs. This was the final T20 series for India before they get ready to face the Australian challenge. The first match of the series was played in front of a packed house at Ranchi. The match saw special guests in the house as MS And his wife Sakshi were watching the game. India came into the series with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested as per coach Rahul Dravid. The job of leading the side was again given to Hardik Pandya.
The story as it happened -
India were won the toss and chose to bowl first. The home team did not play Yuzvendra Chahal and decided to stick with Kuldeep Yadav. Even the returning Prithvi Shaw was made to sit on the bench as the team which played the final T20 against Sri Lanka was retained.
Hardik Pandya's bad behaviour continues -
It seems Hardik Pandya has taken it upon himself to be in the eye of the storm. He has time and again been called out for his bad behaviour. Yesterday during the course of the game, Pandya was seen getting angry at Kuldeep Yadav. The left arm wrist spinner was looking for a catch behind and went up for an appeal. The captain was seen strongly demonstrating and having a word with the wicket keeper and the bowler.
Arshdeep Singh flops again as NZ scores 176 -
Washington Sundar got rid of opener Finn Allen for 35 and Mark Chapman for a fuck in one over. But twin half centuries by Devon Conway and Darly Mitchel turned the game towards New Zealand. Arshdeep Singh continued his bad form yet again with 51 runs from his four overs being bowled. Arshdeep gave away 27 runs in his final over to help the Kiwis reach 176.
Sundar and Surya the lone warriors for India -
Chasing 177 to win, India lost their top 3 pretty quickly. India then found a fightback via Surya Kumar Yadav who scored 47 and Washington Sundar who scored his first T20 half century. The kiwi bowlers specially Mitchell Santner was effective with the ball takin 1/11 from his 4 overs with a maiden over.