India complete 5-0 whitewash over New Zealand

Another day, another match, but same result for the visitors India as they clinch yet another victory to complete 5-0 whitewash over New Zealand in the T20I series. The hosts felt short again by 7 runs after India put 163/3 runs on the board after opting to bat first.

India made a big change in the final T20I as skipper Virat Kohli was rested for the game while Rohit Sharma returned and given the responsibility to lead the team. However, the batting position still remained the same for Sanju Samson, who opened the innings with the in form KL Rahul.

But Samson couldn’t make the best use of his opportunity once again as he departed for only 2. Rohit and Rahul repaired the early damaged and the captain scored yet another fifty to achieve a big milestone. He has now the most number of fifties in T20Is. On the other hand, Rahul departed for a well made 45 from 33 balls.

When it was looking like Rohit was all set to play another big knock, an injury forced him to retire hurt on 60*. With this injury, KL Rahul got the opportunity to lead India for the first time in international cricket. In the end, Shreyas Iyer’s cameo of 33* from 31 took the visitors to a fighting total of 163 in their 20 overs.

In reply, New Zealand started off poorly as they lost the out of form Martin Guptill for only 2 runs courtesy of a great delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. It was the same story as well for Tom Bruce and Collin Munro and the hosts were in all sorts of trouble with 17/3 on the board.

Ross Taylor came into the crease to rescue the sinking ship along with the in form Tim Seifert. The duo scored fifties each and built a solid partnership. When it looked liked the visitors were taking away the game, Taylor hammered 34 runs off Shivam Dube’s over and changed the scenario of the game.

However, it didn’t take too long for India to take charge as fast bowler Navdeep Saini brought the important breakthrough by removing Seifert. After his departure, wickets kept tumbling and Taylor had to fight it out all alone at the other end.

Saini was brought back into the attack in the 17th over and he delivered once again by removing the set Taylor and nailed the fin pin. With 21 runs needed in the final over and only one wicket in hand, the game was already over for the Kiwis and they suffered an embarrassing 5-0 whitewash in the five-match T20I series.

Brief score:

IND 163/3 (20 ov) | KL Rahyl 45, Rohit 60* | Kuggelejin 2/25
NZ 156/9 (20 ov) | Seifert 50, Taylor 53 | Bumrah 3/12, Saini 2/23

Result: India won by the match by 7 runs