WATCH: Sanju Samson and KL Rahul join hands to smartly run-out Tom Bruce in fifth T20I

Sanju Samson and KL Rahul join hands: The Indian opening batsmen continued their partnership while fielding at the Bay Oval.

During the fifth T20I of the ongoing India’s tour of New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, stand-in India captain Lokesh Rahul and his opening partner in Sanju Samson extended their partnership while fielding to dismiss New Zealand batsman Tom Bruce.

It all happened on the second delivery of the fourth over when New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman Tim Seifert played a delivery from India fast bowler Navdeep Saini towards the cover point region.

A massive miscommunication between Seifert and Bruce gave a clear run-out opportunity to the visitors. However, Samson’s ploy of not attempting a direct-hit and instead wait for Rahul to reach the stumps found Bruce short of his crease at the striker’s end.

ALSO WATCH: Airborne Sanju Samson’s courageous effort saves four runs for India

In the end, Rahul collected a smart throw from Samson and dived forward to dislodged the bails earning comparison with legendary India wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Coming in to bat at No. 4 in the third over, Bruce returned to the pavilion without even getting off the mark.

Chasing a 164-run target, New Zealand stumbled once again to be restricted for 156/9 in 20 overs. A 99-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Seifert (50) and Ross Taylor (53) did give New Zealand a chance to seal the chase but they again lost the plot during the business end of the match.

With bowling figures of 4-1-12-3, India spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers. Apart from Bumrah, Navdeep Saini and Shardul Thakur dismissed two batsmen each.

Sanju Samson and KL Rahul join hands

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