The second T20I of the series played out on a used pitch at Eden Park and was a frustrating watch for Black Caps fans.
The hosts looked like they had never played a T20 at Eden Park before where the unusual dimensions make playing straight the best approach.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Third T20I | Wednesday 29 January 2020 | Seddon Park, Hamilton |09:00
To Win
New Zealand 31/20
Tie 35/1
India 52/100
New Zealand
New Zealand spent much of the second T20I batting effort wafting hopelessly at balls outside of off or trying to clear the longer square boundaries.
Seddon Park has more conventional dimensions, but the Black Caps must show greater game awareness, especially while batting, if they are to get back into the series.
Martin Guptill and Colin Munro haven’t quite grasped T20I opening against their highly skilled opponents and have left their team chasing the game after the powerplay.
New Zealand’s bowling has offered India consistent opportunities to relieve pressure. At the same time, Kane Williamson’s decision to bat first in the second match of the series was questionable at best even on a second-hand pitch.
The Black Caps need their finisher Colin de Grandhomme to fire in order to be competitive and also need to bowl better as a unit.
India
There haven’t been too many negatives for the tourists who have enjoyed dominance off the back of excellent form from Lokesh Rahul.
An injury to Shikhar Dhawan has allowed Rahul to make the opening slot his own with back-to-back fifties.
Shreyas Iyer has also batted with greater maturity once Virat Kohli had departed the crease pushing his claim for s permanent spot in the T20I XI.
India’s bowling has been impressive led by pacemen Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, both of whom have adjusted their pace to suit the unusual pitch at Eden Park.
Kohli’s men sometimes switch off when they are on top, which will be something the skipper and the team as a whole will need to be wary of in Hamilton.
Verdict: India 52/100
The tourists should maintain their stranglehold on the series.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets
