Indians are marching ahead like a boss in their first overseas assignment this year. They just enjoy a period where all the luck they need is going in their way. India have won their 2nd consecutive game which was decided in the super over.
Samson was the 1st choice opener for the super over: Virat Kohli
India came back after being down and out in the 4th T20I when they defended 7 runs from the final over after setting a target of 170 to the Blackcaps. This time it was Shardul Thakur who did tidy work to purchase India a win from the jaws of the defeat in the final over.
When India needed 14 runs from the super over, the skipper had decided to send Rahul and Samson to open the innings in the super over but it was the India’s new designated wicket-keeper in KL Rahul who asked the skipper to open along with him.
Here’s what Virat had to say about his super over experience.
There’s something new I’ve learnt in the last couple of games: when the opposition is playing well, you stay calm till the end and try to come back.
we’ve never played Super Overs before and now we’ve won two. It shows the character of the team. Initially we thought of opening with Samson and KL in the Super Over, but then KL told me I should bat because of the experience and the options I’ll bring. His two strikes were crucial and then you knock the ball into the gap and takes your team over the line. Sanju was fearless at the top of the order,
Manish Pandey showed his composure
Earlier when the Kiwi’s stand-in captain Tim Southee asked India to bat first, India’s new opening pair, Samson and Rahul started well but Samson was trying to be too aggressive as he perished as another chance went begging for Samson. India lost regular intervals as a result found themselves in a big hole. It was Manish Pandey and Shardul Thakur’ partnership which took India to a par total. Manish Pandey scored a well composed half century and was there till the end.
New Zealand then started their innings steadily before Colin Munro becoming ultra aggressive and was taking his team home comfortably. It was Virat’s direct hit that saw the end of Munro who departed for a destructive 64 runs from 47 balls. The Kiwis then choked in the end to give India their another victory in this fruitful series.
Bay Oval will host the 5th T20I on Sunday.