India vs New Zealand 2019: This is the Indian Team I always Fantasised About as a Player, Admits Sanjay Manjrekar

But then came the real deal where Ross Taylor stitched a vital 119-run stand with Tom Latham for the fourth wicket. Striving at 59 for three, the duo bailed New Zealand out from dire trouble. Just when things looked uphill for the hosts, a series of errors by New Zealand’s lower order dented plans of a final flourish. Mohammed Shami returned with three wickets, well supported by others as they restrict the host to a modest total of 243 runs.

India wraps up the series

Chasing a modest total of 244 runs, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan got off to a steady start keeping the New Zealand bowlers at bay. Boundaries have come at will for Shikhar Dhawan, who has accumulated five fours in the first five overs, with Bracewell proving to be expensive. On the other hand, Rohit has one four to his name as India move to 31 for 0. However, Dhawan departed after a quickfire 28 edging Trent Boult to the safe hands of Ross Taylor.

Since then, Virat Kohli and Rohit stitched a 113-run partnership to set the tone for India’s victory. But two back to back wickets of Kohli and Rohit helped New Zealand taste some blood for the first time in this encounter. Since then, Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik saw it off without further damage strengthening their claims for a World Cup spot.