3rd T20I, Kolkata, November 21, 2021, 07:00 PM
India
184/7(20.0ov)
New Zealand
111/10(17.2ov)
India beat New Zealand by 73 runs
So that is it from the T20I series. Rohit Sharma poses with the trophy as he collects and strides towards his team for the celebrations. Now we focus on the two Test matches. The first match will start on Thursday 25th November at 0930 am Local (0400 am GMT). Do join us for the same. Till then, Goodbye and Cheers.
Rohit Sharma is the Man of the Series, he says that it was important to start well and give his team a good start. Tells that it was nice coming onto the bat but the middle phase did not go as planned. Tells the positives were, Harshal Patel is bowling brilliantly, with his execution and skills. Kl Rahul's forms and spinners did the job in the entire series. Tells that the tail-enders are batting nicely and it becomes crucial. Adds that he has grown up playing in the cement pitch and that has helped him in approaching the pull shot.
Axar Patel is the Man of the Match, he says he tries to vary the pace and tries to read the batter's mind. Adds that this wicket helped bowlers much and he just tried to bowl in good length. Tells that it has been one of the best years for him and will look to continue forward. Says that after England's series, he tried to reflect and tried to work accordingly.
Mitchell Santner says that it was hard to predict the dew and if the wickets fell in the Powerplay, it was always going to be difficult. Tells that they were up against a good Indian side and the pressure they put on is always tough. Says that their schedule is tight and they have to work with that. Tells the positives were Martin Guptill and Chapman's batting. Ends by saying that the performance will be key for future World Cups held here.
Rahul Dravid, the Head coach of India has a quick chat, he says that it was a really good series. Adds that they will keep their feet on the ground and it was also not easy for the Kiwis to turn up after coming from the World Cup. Tells that it was good to see younger players come through. Says that they have options and will be realistic to give everyone a chance.
Harshal Patel joins now, he says that he has to be switched on every time and says his skillsets won't change overnight. He tries to maintain his skills and continues in international as well. Adds that he keeps backing himself and tries bowling different things in the nets. Kishan says that he is ready to keep whenever asked. Adds that the coach and captain told to enjoy and execute the plan.
Yuzvendra Chahal is up for a chat, he says that after two overs he saw that the ball was gripping and hence he changed his line Tells that he is bowling more googlies and tossed up balls and he is happy with today's performance. Venkatesh Iyer joins him, he says that it was a good series for him and long may it continue. Says that he has to be flexible to bat at any position. Tells that he adapts to whatever situation is required and will look to better that.
Stay tuned for the Presentation.
Earlier in the day, after electing to bat, Rohit and Kishan got India off to a flier. They did lose their way in the middle overs but the lower order came to the fore and took them to a really good total which in the end proved to be enough by quite some margin.
For India, Axar Patel was brilliant. However, all the bowlers played their part with the ball. Except for Kumar all had a wicket at least. Overall, it was a complete performance from the hosts.
The problem for Kiwis was they were 3 down inside the Powerplay and from then on, it was always going to be an uphill task. Martin Guptill and Tim Seifert then did form a partnership but once Guptill fell, it was a procession. Just the three batters scored in double figures and with that scorecard, chasing a big total is not possible.
An emphatic win then for India to inflict the clean sweep! We all thought it was an advantage to Kiwis when they got the chance of chasing but the wicket seemed to have gotten slower. The ball was gripping and sticking a lot more and in the end, the Kiwis have fallen well short.
In over# 18
0W
1
Deepak Chahar 26/1(2.2)
17.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A short ball, outside off. Lockie Ferguson looks to pull but gets a top edge, in the air and towards mid on where Deepak Chahar settles under it and takes a simple catch. INDIA WIN BY 73 RUNS AND CLINCH THE SERIES BY 3-0.
17.1
1
Length ball, on the pads, Boult nudges it to deep square leg for a single.
In over# 17
1
1
1wd
6
0
6
0W
Harshal Patel 26/2(3)
16.6
1
Very full, on middle, drilled down to long on for one run.
16.5
1
Short and on middle, pulled away to square leg for a single.
16.5
1wd
WIDE! Down the leg side. Ferguson looks to heave it but misses.