India vs New Zealand 1st T20I: Men in blue made sharp comeback after Black Caps fiery start in first 5 overs

At the Jharkhand Cricket Sports Stadium today, the thrilling maiden T20 International between the Men in Blue and the Black Caps got underway. India won the toss and elected to bowl first with dew expected in the second part of the match.

The choice appears to be sound, but Men in Blue still need to bowl better because they have allowed 43 runs in 4.2 overs, during which Allen scored 35 runs before surrendering his wicket to Sundar.

Sundar didn’t allow upcoming batter Mark Chapman to settle as he used the momentum against Allen to his advantage.

Chapman was unable to settle due to Sundar’s quick turn over the wicket, and eventually gave up in the face of the latter’s perseverance, causing Black Caps to lose another wicket in first six over.

Washington Sundar strikes twice in the powerplay.

New Zealand 47/2

Live – https://t.co/9Nlw3mU634 #INDvNZ @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/wxW8Rj7N7N

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 27, 2023

Black Caps had to cut their scoring short because Pandya, the captain, sensed a quick opportunity with the spin and tactically handed the next over to Hooda. Ultimately, Black Caps scored 47 runs in their allotted 6 overs.

When it comes to their quick bowling in T20I cricket, Men in Blue need to collaborate, especially since bowling in fast 6 overs and 19th over has been a general concern for India. If they can fix that problem, they will become one of the top bowling units in the shortest version of the game.

We just witnessed riveting action unfold in the Powerplay 🥵#BelieveInBlue and catch all the LIVE action on Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar in the 1st Mastercard #INDvNZ T20I. pic.twitter.com/0VEUJ6doG6

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 27, 2023

The second game of the three-match series between India and New Zealand will take place in Ahmedabad.

Under Pandya’s direction, India is constructing a new T20I team with the 2024 T20I World Cup in mind.