It is always a good feeling to have when a player’s contribution helps his team in winning. Krunal Pandya took three wickets and gave away only 28 runs in his four overs quota. Consequently, the all-rounder was instrumental in getting India to level the series against New Zealand as the visitors won by seven wickets.
Pandya who was backed by the stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma in the playing XI was able to prove his mettle. In fact, Pandya doesn’t spin the ball a great deal. However, the off-spinner was accurate in his line and length. Pandya was right on the money and got two leg-before-wicket dismissals in his bag.
Pandya was accurate in his length.
Pandya revealed that he made some alterations to his length as the Auckland’s stadium dimensions were different as compared to the Wellington.
Krunal Pandya said while talking in the post-match presentation, “It felt really nice to contribute for the team. It’s always special when you contribute to a win. The dimensions are quite different from Wellington, the straight boundaries were short and I had to adjust my length to it. Looking forward to the decider in two days’ time”.
In fact, Pandya had a lucky dismissal as there was a controversy regarding Daryl Mitchell’s dismissal. The right-hander was adjudged out by the standing umpire.
However, the third umpire didn’t change the decision despite there was a nick on the hotspot. The third umpire went with the Snickometer. Surprisingly, there was a deflection too but Shaun Haig decided to stay with the on-field decision.
Meanwhile, Krunal Pandya had leaked 37 runs in the first T20I. Hence, the spinner was able to turn the tables in the second match. On the other hand, India was able to level the three-match series.
Rohit Sharma played a blistering knock of 50 runs from 29 balls. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma added 79 runs for the opening partnership to give a fine platform to the side.
Rishabh Pant provided the finishing touches to the run chase as the southpaw batsman scored 40 runs from 24 balls. Furthermore, MS Dhoni scored 20 runs from 17 balls to help India get over the finishing line.
The decider of the T20I series will take place on 10th February.
