New Zealand vs India 2019, Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli. Credit: Getty Images

Indian National Cricket team started their limited-over series on a high as they beat New Zealand by eight wickets in the first ODI at Napier to take a 1-0 lead. Skipper Virat Kohli hailed the team’s performance terming it as one of their balanced performances.

Meanwhile, the spin twins were at work and India have ripped out the hosts for a below-par score. It all started with Mohammed Shami, he struck in his first and second over, removing both openers and the hosts never really recovered. Although skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor put on a small partnership, but once Taylor was dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal – India spun a web around the hosts. Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls played tame shots, and Mitchell Santner was trapped in front by the returning Shami.

However, the biggest blow was Kane Williamson – who was the guiding force. The first ball after the drinks interval, he popped one straight to long-on and since then – New Zealand reached a point of no return.

New Zealand vs India 2019, 1st ODI, Napier

Getty ImagesThe initial overs were tricky with both Southee and Boult getting the new ball to swing a bit. However, after being watchful and a bit streaky at times, Dhawan has started to look in rhythm with a few delectable strokes while Rohit struggled to get into his groove. However, he departed soon after the dinner break as Doug Bracewell removed him. Since then, Dhawan and skipper Virat Kohli took the onus on themselves as they dominated the Kiwi bowling.

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The duo added 91 runs for the second wicket before Virat Kohli (45) departed. From then, it was as Shikhar Dhawan (75), and Ambati Rayudu guided India to a 1-0 lead.

India vs New Zealand 2019: It is One of Our Most Balanced Performances - Virat Kohli
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It is one of our most balanced performance

India skipper Virat Kohli admitted that the Napier win was among one of their best performances. He hailed the bowlers saying to bowl New Zealand for 157 is a huge thing.

It was one of our most balanced performances. With the ball, couldn’t have asked for anything better. When I lost the toss, I thought a score of about 300-plus but the bowlers were brilliant. To get them out for 150-odd on this pitch was brilliant. Belief in his (Shami) abilities is key and as he said, the fast bowling unit is extremely confident of knocking any team out. The lines and lengths bowled by the spinners were brilliant because the pitch only slowed down in the second half and they were really good,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

India vs New Zealand 2019: It is One of Our Most Balanced Performances - Virat Kohli
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In addition to, he also spoke in length about Shikhar Dhawan, who returned to form after a poor stint in Australia.

Really important innings for Shikhar and we spoke during the sun break that he needed to finish the game to get some momentum. He is a dangerous player when in rhythm. Never in my life, this rule wasn’t there in 2014 and I actually got out in a similar situation,” he concluded.

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