AUCKLAND (New Zealand): India tightened their grip on the T20I series with a seven-wicket win of New Zealand in the second match at the Eden Park on Sunday.
Boasting a formidable batting line-up, chasing 133 proved to be a cakewalk for the visitors on a pitch that was slightly on the slower side.
The trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami allowed no respite to Kane Williamson’s team after New Zealand surprisingly chose to bat, restricting them to 132 for five.
“We demanded the bowlers stood up and took control of what we wanted to do out there, and our line and lengths… was a very good feature,” said Indian captain Virat Kohli.
K L Rahul then scored 57 not out off 50 balls while Shreyas Iyer scored 44 off 33 balls, the duo adding 86 runs for the third wicket and after Rohit Sharma’s twin failure.
“Another good performance today, especially with the ball,” said Kohli. “Bowling first was India’s strength.”
Even with a low target to chase, India had an early blip when Tim Southee removed Rohit Sharma for eight and Kohli for 11.
But Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who set up India’s six-wicket win in game one, were rarely troubled in an 87-run partnership to ensure victory.
Despite the comprehensive defeat for New Zealand, captain Kane Williamson stood by his decision to bat first.
“India were outstanding with the ball so it was tough,” said Williamson. “But there’ve been good bits in both of these games without putting it all together.”
The third match in the series is in Hamilton on Wednesday.
“On a small ground we knew if we were able to take early wickets and try and build pressure, like they did, then you never know,” added the Kiwi skipper.
Tim Seifert (33 not out) and Colin Munro (26) were the only other batsmen to pass 20.
