The Billions of cheers back home got wasted as Team India almost ended its run in the ongoing T20 World Cup. After witnessing a 10-wicket loss against Pakistan, India now lost to New Zealand by 8 wickets. Once again, it was the batting collapse and poor bowling performance which ruined India’s chances of qualifying to the semifinals.
After winning the toss, New Zealand asked India to bat first. The Kiwi bowlers suffocated Indian batters with their tight bowling. While Trent Boult (3/20) and Tim Southee (1/26) did extremely well in the powerplay, Ish Sodhi (2/17) and Mitchell Santner (0/15) took care of the middle overs.
As a result, India was never really in the game and kept losing wickets in regular intervals. In the end, they have managed to score 110/7 by the end of 20 overs.
The New Zealand batters played a completely contrasting game while chasing the low target. Openers Daryl Mitchell (49) and Martin Guptill (20) started off well by hitting boundaries right from the first over. Even though Guptill got out early, Mitchell has done the formalities with the help of Kane Williamson (33*).
Bumrah then got the wicket of Mitchell but it was too late. Williamson and Devon Conway (2*) finished the proceedings and helped their team score 11.2 in just 14.3 overs.
After these two losses, India needs to win all its remaining three matches and that too, with a massive net run-rate. It will play its next match against Afghanistan on November 3.