New Zealand registered a comprehensive victory against India in the teams’ second encounter in the T20 World Cup. Both teams came into this match with an intention to open their accounts in the tournament, and the Black Caps would be glad to have pocketed two very important points. 

A solid all-round performance from New Zealand earned them a massive 8-wicket win. They’ve catapulted to the third position with 2 points and at a healthy run rate of +0.765 too. India, however, sit at the fifth position and are yet to win a game. 

Boult, Sodhi apply brakes on India 

India’s run rate never went beyond 6 rpo, given some tight bowling from the Black Caps. It was led by Trent Boult up front starting with Ishan Kishan’s crucial wicket. He was ably aided by Ish Sodhi, who took the two biggest wickets of the Indian Team - Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. 

Boult also got Hardik Pandya and a potential big hitter Shardul Thakur to ensure India put up as little on the board as possible. In that effort, Boult ended with numbers 3/20 and Sodhi with 2/17. 

Indian batters fail to get going 

Once again after being put to bat, the Indian batters failed to get going. The opening partnership lasted 11 runs before Kishan fell. The biggest partnerships in the game were worth 24 runs each, one between KL Rahul (18) and Rohit Sharma (14) for the second wicket and another between Hardik Pandya (23) and Ravindra Jadeja (26*). 

The latter duo attempted a rescue mission. However, the New Zealand bowlers kept the Indians on a tight leash, not letting them get comfortable throughout the partnership. 

New Zealand openers start well 

The New Zealand openers gave the team a good start to ensure the chase swayed their way right away. Martin Guptill scored 20 (17), while Daryll Mitchell posted 49 (35). Mitchell’s innings took New Zealand to 96/2 in under 13 overs, leaving only a cakewalk for the men coming after him. 

Kane Williamson takes New Zealand home 

Kane Williamson gave Mitchell ample support in the second wicket partnership that was worth 72 runs. Devon Conway walked in at number 4, and needed to score only 2*, as Williamson’s 33* (31) was more than enough to finish things off for the Black Caps. 

New Zealand lead 8-1 in ICC events since 1990 

New Zealand extended their good record against India in ICC events with this win. They now have eight wins in nine encounters, with the only win coming way back in the 2003 World Cup. 

India will next face Afghanistan, who are sitting at the number 2 position currently, in Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed stadium. Will a change of venue bring in a change of fortunes? We can only wait and see.