Kolkata: Team India challenged themselves by going against the trend and opting to bat first after Rohit Sharma won his third straight toss in the final T20 International against New Zealand here on Sunday.
But the result was the same. Having successfully chased down targets in the first two T20Is, Rohit’s men defended a total in style at Eden Gardens. After posting 184 for 7 in their overs, India dismissed New Zealand for just 111 in 17.2 overs to win by 73 runs and complete a comprehensive 3-0 sweep of the series.
The dew factor, which affects the team bowling second, didn’t deter left-arm spinner Axar Patel who virtually ended the contest with a triple strike, reducing New Zealand to 30 for 3 in the fifth over. Chasing 185 for a consolation victory became an even more daunting task.
Though Martin Guptill smashed 4 fours and 4 sixes in a 36-ball 51, no other batsman showed the stomach for a fight.
Rohit earlier led from the front, making a stylish 56 off 31 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes. Cameos from late-order batsmen Harshal Patel (18 off 11 balls) and Deepak Chahar (21 not out off 8) helped India cross the 180-run mark in the end.
Scores: India 184/7 in 20 overs. New Zealand 111 in 17.2 overs.
Result: India won by 73 runs.
