Watch - Khaleel Ahmed Clears Tim Seifert's Timbers with a Beauty

What kept New Zealand out of the contest in the India ODIs was the failure of their top-order. Though the hosts surrendered the One-Day series (1-4), they look to alter the numbers in the ongoing T20Is. During the first game in Wellington, NZ wicketkeeper-batsman, Tim Seifert gave them a brilliant start. He scored 84 off 43 balls before Khaleel Ahmed broke his stumps. Also, the animated celebration from the pacer showed how much of importance that wicket held.

Tim Seifert sets NZ’s innings on fire

Earlier on Wednesday, Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first. India made a few changes, as they brought Khaleel Ahmed, Krunal Pandya and Rishabh Pant in the playing XI. Tim Seifert, who opened alongside Colin Munro set the innings on fire. He began the attack on the Indian bowlers, helping NZ score 66 for zero inside Powerplay overs.

He smashed every India bowler during his knock of 84-run knock. Facing 43 balls, the right-handed batsman smashed seven fours and six sixes. However, in the pursuit of scoring his maiden T20I hundred, Tim Seifert played a shot too many which eventually resulted in him getting bowled.

Khaleel strikes gold in his return game

The left-arm bowler, who played just one game in the New Zealand ODIs, had a happy return to the India team. He, in his first spell, gave away runs but in the second one struck gold. In the 13th over, Khaleel bowled a brilliant over-pitched delivery which went through the bat and pad of Tim Seifert.

The batsman was trying to hit over the mid-on but failed in his attempt. Later, Khaleel celebrated animatedly, as he had helped India get a crucial breakthrough.

Here is the video –

https://twitter.com/premchoprafan/status/1093056730454478848

Meanwhile, New Zealand batting first scored 219 in the first innings.