It was one of our more balanced performances: Virat Kohli says after victory against New Zealand
Napier, Jan 23 (IBNS): After beating New Zealand in the opening match of the ODI series, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said it was one of the most 'balanced performances' shown by his team in the last few games they have played.
India arrived in New Zealand after their victorious campaign in Australia where they clinched both the Test and the ODI series.
Speaking after the match, Kohli said: " It was one of our more balanced performances in the last few games. When I lost the toss, I thought it was going to be 300 par. One-fifty-odd on that wicket was superb."
"The fast bowling group together believe they can knock any side over. And the belief in his own ability and his fitness - this is the fittest I've seen him in his career. And his Test form has translated into one-day cricket," he said.
"The pitch got slow in the second half of the innings but in the first half the spinners bowled well, cramped the batsmen and they still made it difficult despite the dimesions on the field. Very important innings for Dhawan. We spoke about how he needed to finish games for India, to keep his confidence and if he's in that mindset, he can be a great asset. Never had that happen. 2014, I got out once with the sun in my eyes and this rule wasn't there then," the Indian captain said.
Match report in brief:
Riding on a fifty by Shikhar Dhawan, India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first One Day International (ODI) match by Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method at McLean Park here on Wednesday.
In reply to New Zealand's 157, India scored 156/2 to win the match by D/L method.
The match was interrupted by the sunlight which created problem to view the cricket ball.
Shikhar Dhawan, who was not among runs for some time, remained unbeaten at 75. He was aptly supported by skipper Virat Kohli, who was dismissed at 45.
Winning the toss and batting first, New Zealand were bowled out for 157 in 38 overs.
Skipper Kane Williamson was the top scorer for the Kiwis with his 81-ball 64 runs innings.
Ross Taylor, who was caught and bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal, scored 24.
Kuldeep Yadav had the best bowling figure for India with his 4/39 in 10 overs.
Mohammed Shami, who became the fastest bowler to clinch 100 wickets in ODIs, picked three wickets for 19 runs in six overs.
Apart from Taylor, Chahal picked the wicket of wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham.
Image: BCCI
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