IND beat NZ: Rohit Sharma calls Harshal Patel very skilful bowler- India T20 skipper and opening batter Rohit Sharma praised pacer Harshal Patel as the debutant helped his side defeat New Zealand by seven wickets to claim the three-match series on Friday.
IND beat NZ: The Indian bowlers led by debutant Harshal Patel (2/25) put on a brilliant display as they restricted New Zealand to 153/6. KL Rahul (65) and Rohit Sharma (55) starred with the bat as India chased down the target of 154 in the second T20I of the three-match series here at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi on Friday. “Great effort from the entire unit. Wasn’t the easiest of conditions but the way we applied ourselves was amazing. We know their quality of batting, they played some good shots to start with. But I kept telling the boys that it is all about one wicket. But we showed great application and temperament to restrict them. The quality of the bench has been amazing. They have been performing consistently whenever they get the chance. It is important for me to give them freedom.
IND beat NZ: Rohit Sharma calls Harshal Patel very skilful bowler, rules out changes for final T20I
The external matters will take care of themselves. It is a young team and the guys haven’t played a lot of games,” said Rohit Sharma in a post-match presentation.
IND beat NZ: “It is important that the guys get time in the middle. It is early to think about changes in the next game. Whatever suits team India, we’ll do that. We need to make sure we look after the guys who are playing now. They haven’t played a lot either. For the guys who haven’t played, their time will come, there are a lot of T20s. Harshal has done it time and again, he is a very skilful bowler. Even in these conditions, he used the slower ball really well,” he added.
Chasing 154, India got off to an excellent start as openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul put on 50 runs in just 6.4 overs. Both the batters thrashed the Kiwi bowlers at every side, as Rahul brought up his fourth half-century during the game.
IND beat NZ: However, New Zealand bowlers got a sigh of relief when Rahul was sent back by the skipper Tim Southee in the 14th over. Rohit continued the carnage and also brought up his half-century.
But, Southee struck back again and dismissed Rohit and Surya Kumar Yadav in the 16th over.
IND beat NZ: Rohit Sharma calls Harshal Patel very skilful bowler, rules out changes for final T20I
The Kiwi skipper’s spell came a little late, as Rishabh Pant smashed two sixes in two deliveries and brought India home with 16 balls to spare. The Men in Blue have now 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
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