Many times the sheer quality of teamwork has done the trick. Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni’s experience came to the fore in crunch situations of the game that took the pressure off the game right at the death.
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The duo went about talks and came up with tactical plans that helped India defend the target quite successfully as the hosts won by 6 runs to clinch the 1st bilateral T20I series against New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
When 29 runs were required off the last 2 overs, Virat Kohli threw the ball to Jasprit Bumrah in the second last over as suggested by Rohit and MSD to hold on to Bumrah.
The latter did bowl really well as he gave away just 9 runs and picked one wicket in his first ball whereas one run-out occurred.
Also watch: MSD at it again, makes a blazing fast run-out to end the drama
Needing 19 off the last over, it was Rohit and MSD’s decision who came up with the suggestion to go for Hardik Pandya to bowl the final over and the move paid off.
The Indian skipper, at the post-match presentation, highlighted the fact that the Thiruvananthapuram crowd deserves a round of applause for waiting till the game ended. Also, he credited Rohit and MS whose plans turned out well.
Also watch: Rohit Sharma’s acrobatic catch leaves the onlookers in awe
“I think we were really happy to get a game. This crowd deserved to watch some action. Ever since the ODIs started, we expected them to give a good fight. We were nervous to start here, with the damp pitch.
We thought if we can take the run rate up, it’s not going to be so easy. Rohit and MS came up with Bumrah bowling the second last, and Hardik bowled the last over well.
We have won a few on the trot and it makes us very proud. This stadium is beautiful, the outfield wonderful and the crowd made it special,” Kohli signed off.
