There are two Indian sides currently touring New Zealand, and the morale is completely different in the two camps. While the Indian senior side is very jovial after winning three consecutive T20Is against New Zealand, the India A camp is a bit gloomy. The reason for that is their dismal batting performance in the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A.
While Virat Kohli’s side is locking horns with Kane Williamson’s men, Hanuma Vihari’s India A is taking on Hamish Rutherford’s New Zealand A. Winning the toss, Rutherford asked the Indians to bat first. That turned out to be a wise decision as India lost 3 wickets before even crossing the 50-run mark.
Shubham Gill then came to the rescue and played an amazing knock. The youngster a run-a-ball 83 against a formidable Kiwi bowling unit. Skipper Hamuna Vihari was the only other batsman who had a good time at the crease. He scored 51 runs from 79 balls. Only three other batters managed to get into double figures, and none of them were able to cross the 20-run mark.
Michael Rae was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand. He picked up 4 wickets. Cole McConchie was also instrumental and scalped 3 wickets. Though Ishan Porel managed to get Hamish Rutherford’s wicket quite early, a steady partnership from Will Young and Rachin Ravindra has pushed the men in blue in the backseat.
Hanuma Vihari’s unlucky dismissal
Though Vihari failed to qualify his half-century into a big score, his luck can be blamed for his dismissal. Vihari was looking in good touch when he decided to play a sweep off Cole McConchie. He hit the ball well enough, but Rachin Ravindra was standing at silly mid-on. Though Ravindra wasn’t quick enough to react, the ball bounced off his body and was finally caught by Dane Cleaver behind the stumps.
Here is the video:
https://twitter.com/PRINCE3758458/status/1222758245351079936
