IND vs NZ: Three most memorable T20I encounters between these two nations
After playing the final of the T20 World Cup 2021, New Zealand will arrive in India for a three-match T20I series. The series will be played in Jaipur, Ranchi and Kolkata with matches scheduled to be played on November 17, 19 and 21. In the build-up to this massive series, let us look back at the three best T20I matches between these two sides to date:
3) New Zealand win by just a run in Chennai thriller
In 2012, New Zealand were set to play two T20Is in India before both teams headed to the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. After the first game was abandoned due to rain, the honours of the series depended on this game. The Kiwis batted first and Brendon McCullum’s master class of 91 helped them post 167 for 5. The chase would have been tricky given the conditions, but Virat Kohli’s 41-ball 70 meant India were cruising along. India were 120 for 3 in 13.2 overs when he was dismissed. The tide started shifting towards the Blackcaps and the pressure started boiling over. It was James Franklin’s 2 for 26 (from four overs) at the death which prevented India from winning by just a run.
2) India steal the series winning a rain-affected series decider in Trivandrum
India and New Zealand reached rainy Trivandrum with the series tied at 1-1. The match was reduced to just an 8-over affair. Kohli’s 13, Manish Pandey’s 17 and Hardik Pandya’s 14 meant India had something to defend. But 67 for 5 didn’t seem enough. But, the Indian bowlers didn’t disappoint, choking the run flow with regular strikes. Jasprit Bumrah’s 2 for 9 in two overs and Yuzvendra Chahal two-over spell where he gave only 8 runs, ensured New Zealand fell short by just six runs, as India won their first series against the Kiwis in the shortest format.
1) Super over woes continue for Kiwis as India claim series
Having won the first two games, India reached Hamilton with high hopes and aspirations to double the lead in the series. Rohit Sharma’s 65 at the top set things up beautifully as India finished on 179 for 5. New Zealand stumbled a bit but were always in front of the chase with Kane Williamson’s brilliant 95-run knock. But, with only three needed off the last five deliveries, Mohammed Shami got the wickets of Williamson and Ross Taylor to tie the game. The hosts made 17 runs in the super over. India took it deep and with 10 needed off the last two balls, Rohit finished off the game with two big sixes. India ended up winning that series 5-0.
