Jaipur: Team India survived some late jitters here on Wednesday night to beat New Zealand by 5 wickets and kick off the Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma T20 International era on the right note.
Playing three days after the disappointing T20 World Cup defeat against Australia in Dubai, New Zealand posted a below-par 164 for six after being asked to bat first by India’s new T20I captain Rohit.
India looked to be on cruise control as they reached 142 for two at the end of 16 overs, thanks to Rohit Sharma’s 48 off 36 balls and an electrifying 62 off 40 deliveries with 6 fours and 3 sixes by Surya Kumar Yadav.
India needed less than a run a ball with four overs to spare, but some careless shots led to three needless dismissals and put pressure on the middle-order batsmen. Rishabh Pant took India home with a boundary with two balls to spare.
India rested Virat Kohli, who quit T20I captaincy at the end of the World Cup, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. But it was New Zealand who missed regular captain Kane Williamson more.
Opener Mark Guptill (70 off 42 balls) and debutant Mark Chapman (63 off 50) were involved in a brilliant century partnership after the early loss of Daryl Mitchell. But once the second-wicket stand was broken, the rest of the batsmen struggled against pace and spin of Indian attack. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin stood out, bagging 2 wickets each.
Scores: New Zealand 164/6 in 20 overs. India 166/5 in 19.4 overs.
Result: India won by 5 wickets.
