WATCH: Navdeep Saini smacks Kyle Jamieson for incredible six on the off-side in Auckland ODI

Navdeep Saini smacks Kyle Jamieson: The Indian fast bowler tried his level best to seal the chase for his team in his maiden ODI innings.

During the second ODI of the ongoing India’s tour of New Zealand in Auckland, India fast bowler Navdeep Saini impressed one and all with his batting skills in what was his maiden ODI innings.

Coming in to bat at No. 9 in the 32nd over with India needing 121 off 113, Saini stitched a 76-run partnership for the eighth wicket alongside all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (55).

Saini, who isn’t known for his batting skills, surprised everyone after he started hitting some eye-catching boundaries. There was a period where the onus of hitting the big shots was taken by Saini with Jadeja indulging in rotating the strike.

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The pinnacle of Saini’s innings came on the second delivery of the 42nd over when Saini made room to hit debutant New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson for a magnificent six over the cover boundary to become a source of amazement for the spectators.

Giving the impression of getting carried away, Saini attempted a rash shot on the following delivery which saw him getting bowled as Jamieson’s delivery was right on target. It is worth mentioning Saini’s score of 45 (49) including five fours and two sixes is his career-best score across formats.

Chasing a 274-run target, India were bundled out for 251 in 48.3 overs as Tim Southee, Jamieson, Colin de Grandhomme and Hamish Bennett picked two wickets apiece.

Navdeep Saini smacks Kyle Jamieson

pic.twitter.com/7kE9ZERJnr

— Anshul kothari (@cricketvideo18) February 8, 2020

Wat a shot saini 💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/RXjUEspuQd

— Moonwalk🌑 (@Moonwalk9999) February 8, 2020

How Twitterati reacted:

Congratulations @BLACKCAPS on a wonderful win, great character to defend 273 and seal.the series. For India, the fight shown by young Navdeep Saini and Jadeja was wonderful to watch. #NZvInd pic.twitter.com/DxMBWGAsRk

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 8, 2020

Navdeep Saini’s 45 (49 balls) today is his highest score in any class of cricket. His previous highest was the 42* (42 balls) he made for Delhi against Orissa at Feroz Shah Kotla in Jan 2015 in the #RanjiTrophy.#INDvsNZ #IndvNZ #NZvsIND #NZvIND

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) February 8, 2020

It’s not unusual for Haryanvis to score when there’s a dry-day in Delhi. #Chahal #saini

— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) February 8, 2020

Genuine joy around Navdeep Saini and the way he plays his cricket. Values every moment he’s out there for the team. Thinks deeply about his game – May it be a long healthy spell for Indian cricket. #IndvNZ

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) February 8, 2020

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About the author

Dixit Bhargav

Born and brought up in Pathankot, Dixit Bhargav is an engineering and sports management graduate who works as a Cricket Editor at The SportsRush. Having written more than 10,000 articles across more than five years at TSR, his first cricketing memory dates back to 2002 when former India captain Sourav Ganguly had waved his jersey at the historic Lord’s balcony. What followed for an 8-year-old was an instant adulation for both Ganguly and the sport. The optimist in him is waiting for the day when Punjab Kings will win their maiden Indian Premier League title. When not watching cricket, he is mostly found in a cinema hall watching a Punjabi movie.

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