Dominant India pocket series

Harshal, Openers Shine As Men In Blue Romp Home To 7-Wicket Win In Second T20I

- Sourav.M

Ranchi: Soon after winning his second consecutive toss, India’s T20 captain Rohit Sharma didn’t have any hesitation in asking New Zealand to bat. At a venue where dew starts falling quite early after sunset, that was a wise and automatic choice. Rohit was helped by his bowlers, who made a superb comeback after the Powerplay to restrict New Zealand to a modest total. Debutant Harshal Patel being the pick of the pack.

Rohit also made it clear with the toss that chasing is always better in this format, especially where dew is likely to play an important factor. He was proved right as India chased 154 with ease to win the second T20 International here at JSCA International Stadium on Friday. The victory meant India clinched the three-match series before the third T20I in Kolkata. It was the first series win under the new Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid captain-coach partnership.

Having restricted the Kiwis to a modest 153/6 due to some excellent bowling display by Harshal Patel (2-25) and the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, India struck down the target with 16 balls to spare, reaching 155/3 - thereby winning the match by 7 wickets.