We’re Seeing Another Superstar Arrive In New Zealand Shores: Ian Smith On Shreyas Iyer
Published - 24 Jan 2020, 07:07 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:03 AM
It was a day to remember for Shreyas Iyer in his cricketing career so far. He delivered a power-packed performance to help India seal the first game of the five-match T20I series. His heroics had not only fetched him a Man of the Match award but also gave him huge praise from the former New Zealand gloveman Ian Smith.
Faced with a massive ask, India needed Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to get them off to a flying start. But Mitchell Santner snared the dangerous Rohit in the 2nd over of the innings right after the Indian opener had smashed him for a six. And then came the onslaught from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
A magnificent inning – Ian Smith on Shreyas Iyer
Just when things looked in control of India, Kohli and Rahul walked back to the pavilion, leaving India in a spot of bother. But, Iyer slammed an unbeaten 58 off 29 deliveries as India chased down 204 with sixth wickets and one over to spare. Courtesy of this win, India went 1-0 up in the five-match T20I series.
As Iyer hit a huge six off Tim Southee to finish the match in style, Smith, who was on commentary duty was heard saying: “We’re seeing another superstar (Shreyas Iyer) arrive in New Zealand shores. A magnificent inning loved the way India have timed this chase. Credit to Manish Pandey as well. We’re gonna see plenty of them in the next month or so in New Zealand.”
After the 35-ball 44* for a winning cause against Australia in the ODI series decider, he hammered a 29-ball 58* that comprised five fours and three sixes in the first T20I against New Zealand in Auckland to take his side home with six balls to spare.
Well, this is now the third-highest successful run-chase for India in T20 Internationals.
Speaking after his Man-of-the-match performance, Iyer said: “Amazing to win a game overseas and finishing not out is special. We had lost quick wickets, so we had to build partnerships. We always knew we can score runs because this is a small ground. Looking forward to similar support in the remaining games as well.”
All in all, it was a perfect game for Iyer at this stage of his career. Now, both teams will have one day rest before locking horns once again on Sunday at the same venue.
Also Read: New Zealand vs India 2020: Twitter On Fire As Visitors Chase Down 204
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