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Game like this could have given us opportunity to test some players: Pandya

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Last updated on 22 Nov 2022 | 11:30 AM
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Game like this could have given us opportunity to test some players: Pandya

Chasing 161, the Men in Blue were 75/4 in nine overs before rain made an appearance in the third T20I

Considering the position India were in the third and final T20I against New Zealand, the likes of Hardik Pandya, Deepak Hooda and Harshal Patel would have been tested to their limits but the weather once again played a spoilsport in Napier. 

Chasing 161, the Men in Blue were 75/4 in nine overs, still needing 86 runs in 11 overs. The top-four batters were already back in the hut and the onus was on the lower middle-order to get the job done. However, that’s when rain made an appearance and the scores were level on DLS, ending the game in a tie with India winning the three-match series 1-0.

“Would have liked to win the game by playing the full overs, but it is what it is. At some point, I felt attack is the best defence on this wicket. We know the kind of bowling attacks they have, it was very important to get those 10-15 runs extra even though we lost a couple of wickets,” said Indian skipper Pandya.

“A game like this could have given us an opportunity to test some of the players, but having said that, the weather is something we cannot control.”

Suryakumar Yadav was named player of the series, while Mohammed Siraj was the player of the match. The paceman claimed four wickets at the expense of just 17 runs and broke the back of New Zealand’s middle-order. The hosts were 130/2 at one stage but lost their last eight wickets for 30 runs.

“The wicket wasn't easy to bat and I was prepared to bowl hard lengths which gave me the rewards. I prepared myself to bowl hard lengths and had so much practice during World Cup and I just executed my plans. I always keep it simple. Just bowl the hard lengths,” said Siraj, who registered his best bowling figures in T20Is.

Tim Southee, who was leading New Zealand in the absence of Kane Williamson, too expressed his disappointment over not getting a full game. “It was disappointing even with the bat. We spoke about getting out there and giving everything we could, take early wickets. We knew if we can get those wickets, anything could happen, but unfortunately the weather came in.

“You don't know until both sides batted on it, would have been an interesting game but hasn't gone the full tilt. Little bit of uncertainty around the scoreboard about whether it was a tie when the rain came in. Could have gone either way, the way we attacked with the ball and to put them under pressure was pleasing.”

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