India vs New Zealand 2019: Virat Kohli Has Always Encouraged Me - Mohammed Shami

India drew the first blood of the five-match series as they won the first game by eight wickets (DLS method). Mohammed Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers as he scalped three wickets and he was adjudged the Man of the match. Shami gave a perfect start to the team when he took two wickets of both New Zealand openers, Colin Munro and Martin Guptill.

Shami landed his balls in the right areas and he was rewarded for his good work. The fast bowler was able to provide the breakthrough in his very first over when Guptill inside edge found the stumps. Subsequently, Shami breached Colin Munro’s defense when he found the gap between the southpaw’s bat and pad.

Shami gives credit to think tank.

Mohammed Shami gives credit to the think tank for backing him to the hilt. Shami has made an impressive return and he gave credits to the extra yards he had put behind the scenes. The pacer said Virat Kohli has always put his weight behind him.

“Till now, whatever we have achieved has been a team effort. We enjoy each other’s success and are able to execute our plans. If we have a plan A that doesn’t work, there’s always a Plan B. As a bowling unit, we decide things together. Injuries changed my outlook. I made a comeback after a long time and spent a good time at our rehab center which is world class”.

“The management and support staff have been really cooperative, as has been my captain who has always encouraged me. Pitches were similar to Australia but the grounds there were bigger and the climate was warmer, here the venues are smaller with pleasant temperatures. Important to adapt and we’re enjoying it”.

Shami also made an impressive second return when he plumbed Mitchell Santner in front of the wickets. The Indian pacer is generally right on the money and would be happy after his good performance. Shami conceded only 19 runs in his six overs and also bowled two maidens.

India is looking to fill in the shoes of the third seamer and Mohammed Shami would be the perfect contender to take up the responsibility. The Bengal pacer has bowled with fire and he would like to continue in the similar fashion.

Furthermore, Kuldeep Yadav scalped four wickets to breathe down the neck of the New Zealand batsmen. Yuzvendra Chahal scalped two wickets whereas Kedar Jadhav scalped one wicket.

Subsequently, Shikhar Dhawan scored his 26th ODI fifty to take India over the line. Dhawan remained unbeaten to get back into form. On the other hand, Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored 45 runs to help India get close to the revised target of 156 runs.