Rohit Sharma spent a little more time trying to remember what India would do following the win of the toss in Raipur’s second ODI on Saturday. It seemed as though New Zealand had forgotten how to bat on a surface with a bit of help from the quicks.
India’s bowlers made a profit on the inept Black Caps performance. They were led by Mohammed Shami (3/18), and Mohammed Siraj (1/10), who played their early spells. The visitors were bowled out for just 108 runs in 34.3 overs.
India won the series by beating New Zealand 8 wickets to none.
This was India’s seventh consecutive win in ODI series at home since December 2019. They seem to be well prepared for the 50-over World Cup later in the year, particularly Gill and Siraj who have matured quickly.
The pitch at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium was a good purchase for fast bowlers, and Shami and Siraj made great use of it with their excellent use of the seam.
India’s new-ball cricketers had created a seam movement that was so devastating for New Zealand batsmen, they couldn’t even turn the strike within the first Powerplay.
It was quite bizarre to see the New Zealand batsmen surrender in such a manner, as they all grew up on similar or greener pitches back home. The New Zealanders wouldn’t be able to call the Raipur conditions “alien”.
Shami’s performance was a welcome one. Michael Bracewell took Shami to the cleaners in Hyderabad’s previous match. He wasn’t performing well lately.
Shami managed to get back just in time and took Bracewell as his third scalp. He surprised the centurion by delivering a short, well-directed delivery that caused the loss of the left-handed batter. After being reduced to 15/5 in the 11th over, Shami’s strike further hampered New Zealand’s fightback through Glenn Phillips or Bracewell.
“When I start, I just concentrate on maintaining the right lines & lengths,” Man-of-the Match Shami stated.
Sometimes you can bowl well but not get wickets. You may not be in your rhythm on other days, but you still get wickets. It happens. The most important thing is to keep your rhythm.”
This performance by the veteran pacer is important as it keeps him in a good rhythm ahead the four-Test series against Australia next months. India may not rest their regulars in the inconsequential ODI at Indore on Tuesday but the senior pacer wants more game time.
“It is always better to play more games in preparation for big events. The workload is being properly managed. Shami said, “I just hope that the main players remain in a good area.”
Hardik Pandya was also expensive, but he deserves credit for taking a great return catch to discredit Devon Conway, and then changing his pace to send a set Mitchell Santner back, to end the visitors’ fightback hopes.
Ashwin supports hosts
New Delhi – Ravichandran Ashwin believes India has the ability to adapt to their home conditions for the ODI World Cup later in the year. This was even though the world’s top off-spinner urged ICC to corrective actions to ensure a “dew-free tournament”.
He stated that he believes India has a good chance of winning the 2011 home World Cup.
“India’s ODI record at home since the 2019 World Cup is remarkable. India has won against all teams that have travelled to India in this time, including Australia, Sri Lanka, South Africa and England. It’s a 78-80 per cent win record against India,” Ashwin stated.
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