IND vs NZ: Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav Must Do Well, Their Failure Forced India To Settle For 30-40 Fewer Runs – Wasim Jaffer

Former India National Cricket Team opening batsman and current Punjab Kings (PBKS) batting coach, Wasim Jaffer, believes that the middle-order batters – Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant – must perform well in the second ODI against New Zealand National Cricket Team.

The second ODI of the three-match series between Kane Williamson-led New Zealand National Cricket Team and Shikhar Dhawan-led India National Cricket Team will be played at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday (November 27).

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Speaking to ESPNCricinfo ahead of the second ODI, Jaffer stated that the failure of Pant and Suryakumar in the first ODI forced the Men In Blue to settle down for 30-40 fewer runs.

He said: “India’s middle order – Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav – They must do well. Their failure forced India to settle for 30-40 fewer runs, especially in the last game.”

In the first ODI at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday (November 25), Rishabh Pant scored just 15 and Suryakumar scored just 4 and both were cleaned up by pacer Lockie Ferguson.

If we look to score 320, we can reach 340-350 because we have such batters – Wasim Jaffer

After being asked to bat first in the first ODI, Shreyas Iyer, Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill smashed brilliant half-centuries while Washington Sundar played a quickfire knock to help India post 306/7 in 50 overs.

Wasim Jaffer, meanwhile, feels that India are capable of scoring 340-350 runs easily.

He asserted: “The players must perform for India because the series is on the line. If we look to score 320, we can reach 340-350 because we have such batters.”

Notably, the Black Caps comfortably chased down the target of 307 with the help of an outstanding 221-run partnership between Tom Latham and Kane Williamson. Latham smashed 145* runs off 104 balls, including 19 fours and 5 sixes. Williamson scored 94* runs off 98 balls, including 7 fours and 1 six.

Jaffer further said that the toss will play a crucial role in the second ODI. He explained:

“Toss is very important. There is no doubt about it. Whichever team wins the toss will opt to chase. Again, it’s a small ground – Hamilton.”

Also Read: IND vs NZ: “Simply Cannot Understand This Strategy”: Saba Karim Identifies India’s Tactical Error After Their 7-Wicket Loss Against New Zealand In The First ODI