India's Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and India in Auckland on February 8, 2019. (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP)

Rohit & Co hit back in style

Posted by: nt February 9, 2019 in Sports

PTI

AUCKLAND

Mahendra Singh Dhoni watched from the 22 yards distance as his heir apparent Rishabh Pant showed spunk in a tricky situation, guiding India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory against New Zealand in the second T20 International here Friday.

The chase was set up by skipper Rohit Sharma (50 off 29 balls) in company of Shikhar Dhawan (30 off 31 balls) with a 79-run stand after Krunal Pandya got three wickets to restrict the hosts to 158/8.

Dhoni, the original master finisher couldn’t have been happier as he saw Pant control what could have been a tricky 159-run chase with an unbeaten 40 off 28 balls. The series is now tied 1-1 with the decider in Hamilton on Sunday.

With the former India captain (20* off 17 balls) playing the role of a mentor at the other end, the 44-run stand was very significant as Indian cricket slowly moves towards a change of guard in coming days.

Pant’s one-handed six off Tim Southee or the bowler’s back drive off Scott Kuggeleijn to finish off the match were reminiscent of Dhoni’s best days. He hit four boundaries and a six in all.

The flicked six off Kuggeleijn over backward square leg was treat for the eyes but their dismissal along with Vijay Shankar’s did create a bit of unrest but Pant ensured that they didn’t press the panic button. The innings would certainly help him make a strong case for being included in the World Cup squad.

Earlier, Krunal enhanced his already growing reputation as a steady short format bowler with three important breakthroughs as India restricted New Zealand to a below-par 158/8.

The parsimonious Krunal (3/28 in 4 overs) dismissed Colin Munro (12) and skipper Kane Williamson (20) to peg the Black Caps back early in the innings.

However, Colin de Grandhomme, who has played for KKR in the IPL, then counter-attacked, scoring a blistering 50 off 28 balls, adding 77 runs with Ross Taylor (42 off 36 balls) for the fifth wicket.

Once De Grandhomme was sent back to the dug-out by Hardik Pandya (1/36 in 4 overs) and Taylor was run-out, New Zealand’s chances of a big total went up in smoke.