India vs New Zealand 2019: Twitter Reacts To India's Fightback In 5th ODI

Yet again, India’s problems with Swing has been exposed at Wellington. After the poor show with the bat in Hamilton, they put on a similar show in the final ODI of the series as well. However, the only difference has been the masterful knock of Ambati Rayudu, who gave something for India to fight in the second innings of the game. In the end, it was Hardik Pandya, who completely changed the scheme of things.

Initially, it was Rohit Sharma, who won the toss and decided to bat first. This time, it is Matt Henry, who has been brilliant with the ball in initial overs. He sent back Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in quick succession to dent India.

During the course, Trent Boult also showed his class by sending Shikhar Dhawan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni back to the pavilion for cheap scores. However, Ambati Rayudu and Vijay Shankar stood for the team in middle by tackling the bowlers in an efficient way.

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Ambati Rayudu knocked 90:

Vijay Shankar looked pretty promising, who handled the pressure well by scoring runs and rotating the strike at regular intervals of time. Just when things looked settled for India, then came the disaster run-out to see Vijay walking back.

Though Shankar walked back, Ambati Rayudu displayed his class to the perfection. He whacked Kiwis bowlers to all corners of the park with his majestic strokeplay. If not Rayudu’s superb 90-run knock, India would have been in deep sort of troubles.

For Kiwis, every bowler has been brilliant with their line and lengths. Matt Henry was superb in picking wickets while Trent Boult was also decent enough to rattle through Indian’s defence. Colin Munro was the surprise, who bowled his 10-over quota at a 4.7 economy.

In the end, it was Hardik Pandya, who put on a show for the team. He whacked Kiwis bowlers all over the park to give a handy total on the board to defend. First, he smashed Astle to three sixes in a row and then took on fast bowlers with equal intent.

Here are the Twitter Reactions:

This innings from Rayudu should end the conversation about his place in The World Cup Squad. He’s sealed it…IMHO. #NzvInd @StarSportsIndia

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 3, 2019

Williamson said he would have bowled first. I have no doubt that if the series was open, Rohit would have bowled first too. He said he wanted to test the team in such situations. It is a fair call if that was the objective but it is throwing up some uncomfortable truths.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 3, 2019

Fine innings from Rayudu. Nice to see he played for the team total at the end rather than knock the ball around for a century. That has to be another batting slot ticked for the World Cup.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 3, 2019

Vijay Shankar’s innings was the highlight for me. Looked composed. But will it be enough to put his hat in the ring??? Unfortunately, I’m not so sure TBH. #NzvInd @StarSportsIndia

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 3, 2019

A very good little innings by Vijay Shankar. Looked the best Indian batsman today.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 3, 2019

Rayudu has done the best that he can today. If there is an issue with that, nothing that one can do. He has accelerated well, people need to stop thinking everyone has to bat at a SR above 100 all the time. Not all pitches are the same.

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) February 3, 2019

Good that India experimented by batting first and are challenging themselves in difficult conditions. Shankar was really good to watch and Rayudu ‘s 90 is worth its weight in gold. #NZvIND

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 3, 2019

Matt Henry strikes again and has four now! Jadhav edges on for 34. India now 203/7 in the 46th over. LIVE scoring | https://t.co/KGuehWmiMV #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/Br7dP0BRJJ

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 3, 2019

Ball swinging, wickets tumbling….. #NZvIND

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 3, 2019

Matt Henry finishes 10-1-35-4. #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/yygq6trKr7

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) February 3, 2019

Rohit Sharma at the post match interview:-

"Virat Kohli should decide if his priority is honeymoon or cricket. Mahi bhai didn't play because he was playing PUBG till late night. And now the whole responsibility falls on this temporary captain. Unfair."#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/DWtzjlWn6F

— Cricket Times (@CrickeTimes) January 31, 2019

An extra over from the spinner when Hardik Pandya is at the crease doesn't make much sense.#NZvIND

— Hitesh Sachdeva (@iamhitesh_s) February 3, 2019

https://twitter.com/Anshuman86m/status/1091927353511444481

#INDvNZ #5thODI

When MS Dhoni got out early.

Dhoni fans – pic.twitter.com/NhPQDtpRg3

— Shree (@shubhamksalunke) February 3, 2019

https://twitter.com/Kiran_MBfan/status/1091887388912017408

Yes Matt Henry! Through Sharma's defenses and he's bowled for 2. India now 8/1 as Gill enters in the 5th over. LIVE scoring | https://t.co/KGuehWmiMV #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/qv3yXw0rFS

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 3, 2019

Welcome to the Hardik Pandya Show !
Aaj Bhai sab karke hi jayega.. #NZvIND

— TheNormalOne (@pratik_LFC) February 3, 2019

When Hardik sees a Karan Johar outta every damn New Zealand bowlers ????? #NZvIND

— Moumita?? (@i_m_mou) February 3, 2019

Now people started comparing Shankar & Pandya. ?‍♂️
Pandya no doubt is our best all-rounder but Vijay has the potential too. Pandya has better hitting abilities while Shankar can bat sensibly than him in middle order. So please stop comparing them and enjoy these two guys.#NZvIND

— Brainfaded (@iRon_Rv) February 3, 2019

If you want to review a short run based on a fielder's demand after the replay has been shown, surely you can review a wide ball if a batsman claims it after the replay!!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 3, 2019

Chin up, @hardikpandya7.

WHAT A KNOCK, THIS!

45 off just 22 balls ?????#CricketMeriJaan #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/y0kGBbQEtH

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 3, 2019

Three sixes in a row for Pandya. He loves doing this hat-trick against the spinners. Think it’s the fourth time he’s done that

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 3, 2019