In what turned out to be a one-sided affair, India took a 1-0 lead on day one of ODI series against New Zealand. The Kiwis were defeated by eight wickets; however, they are known to bounce back.
In what turned out to be a one-sided affair, India took a 1-0 lead on day one of ODI series against New Zealand. The Kiwis were defeated by eight wickets; however, they are known to bounce back.
In the post-match presentation, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, “It was one of our most balanced performances. With the ball, couldn't have asked for anything better. When I lost the toss, I thought a score of about 300 par but the bowlers were brilliant.
“To get them out for 150-odd on this pitch was brilliant. Belief in his (Shami) abilities is key and as he said, the fast bowling unit is extremely confident of knocking any team out. The lines and lengths bowled by the spinners were brilliant because the pitch only slowed down in the second half and they were really good.”
He also spoke about how he and Shikhar Dhawan planned on batting. He said, “Really important innings for Shikhar and we spoke during the sun break that he needed to finish the game to get some momentum. He is a dangerous player when in rhythm. (Whether he's experienced a sunstrike break before) Never in my life, this rule wasn't there in 2014 and I actually got out in a similar situation”.
Australian captain Kane Williamson also said that this was not the score and match they had expected. “Certainly wasn't our best effort. India, we expected them to be good and they really were on top of the game. The surface wasn't as traditional as we thought it to be.”
He spoke about India’s bowling saying that the slow bowlers really did a great job. “India bowled well, particularly the lengths hit by their slower bowlers were really good. Getting to just 150ish on a pitch where 250-plus was needed, doesn't help. I think we didn't adjust well enough to the surface, don't think it was the lack of match practice that cost us. Their whole bowling unit contributed well and they need credit for that. We also did well with the ball, showed enough intent and will hope to take those things forward.”
Mohammed Shami who became the fastest Indian to reach 100 ODI wickets was also awarded the man of the match. He said, “Till now, whatever we have achieved has been a team effort. We enjoy each other's success and are able to execute our plans. If we have a plan A that doesn't work, there's always a Plan B.”
When asked about the overall bowling squad of India, he said, “As a bowling unit, we decide things together. Injuries changed my outlook. I made a comeback after a long time and spent a good time at our rehab centre which is world class. The management and support staff have been really cooperative, as has been my captain who has always encouraged me”.
He also added saying that the New Zealand pitch has similarities to that of the Australian pitch. “Pitches were similar to Australia but the grounds there were bigger and climate was warmer, here the venues are smaller with pleasant temperatures. Important to adapt and we're enjoying it,” he concluded.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Mohammed Shami became the fastest Indian to reach 100 ODI wickets")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}