New Zealand star batsman Colin Munro, when batting on 34, completed 5000 runs in the shortest format of the game. After a punishing 86-run stand by the duo of Tim Seifert and Munro for the first wicket, Rohit-led boys were pushed to back foot.
As the Indian bowlers were looking hapless, Krunal was brought into the attack. Former Indian captain MS Dhoni was seen having an elongated chat with the left-arm spinner. The second ball of the ninth over saw Krunal courageously toss up a delivery outside off to Munro. The star opener got low in an attempt to club the ball over long-on for six, but ended up spooning a catch to Vijay Shankar after mistiming a slog sweep.
The discussion between Krunal Pandya and MS Dhoni ended up with the team getting the massive wicket of Munro.
Tim Seifert’s blistering 84-run knock followed by an outstanding Kiwi bowling attack outclassed India in the first T20I in Wellington on Wednesday. Chasing a mammoth 220-run, the men in blue were bowled out for 139 runs in 19.2 overs, handing over an 80-run victory to New Zealand.
India went through a massive top-order collapse in reply to the fireworks caused by the local boys. The opening pair failed to provide a solid start as stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma (1) was dismissed early, leaving his side reduced to 18/1.