India were put to a stern test and barely managed to scrape though. They have to thank MS Dhoni’s presence of mind in running out dangerman Tom Latham at a crucial juncture that turned the match India’s way. Had Latham batted on till the end, New Zealand would have handed India a rare series defeat at home. On a Green Park belter, India had done well to post a formidable 337 after they were put in. But New Zealand, who had proved to be tough nuts in the first two matches, battled valiantly to fall just six runs short of an upset win.
Off day for India bowlers
Despite having the luxury of a huge total to defend, the Indian bowlers, barring Jasprit Bumrah and to some extent Yuzvendra Chahal, had an off day. It was Bumrah’s superb bowling at the fag end and Dhoni’s run out of Latham that paved the way for India to claim a well-contested series. On seeing non-striker Latham charge down the wicket, Dhoni instead of running out Henry Nicholls at the batting end, chose to lob the ball to bowler Bumrah, who broke the wicket even as Latham was desperately running back to regaining the crease.
With Latham back in the pavilion, Bumrah ensured the Indian win with his characteristic bowling at the death. The day had begun well for India as both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struck a century apiece and put on 230-run for the second wicket. At half-time, it seemed India had put on more than enough on the board, but the New Zealand batsmen, led by Colin Munro, Kane Williamson and Latham, kept up the fight right till the end to home fans the jitters.
Bumrah defends Bhuvi
Though Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a forgettable match, giving away 92 runs in his quota of 10 overs, he produced a perfect yorker to get rid of well-set Nicholls. Bumrah defended his new-ball partner, saying he had done well in the first two games and any bowler is bound to have an off-day. The hard-fought series was indeed a reality check for the Indians after they had cruised to wins over Sri Lanka and Australia, coming into this contest against New Zealand. And now they can breathe a bit easy going into the three-match T20 series beginning in Delhi on November 1. The limited overs caravan moves on.
