India produced a superb bowling and fielding display to contain New Zealand to a modest 126 for seven in their opening World Twenty20 game at the VCA Stadium, here today.
On a track that assisted slow bowling, all the Indian bowlers - barring Ravichandran Ashwin who went for 32 runs - shone in the all-round bowling performance to restrict the Kiwis in front of a jam-packed stadium in India's second round Group 2 lung-opener.
The New Zealand batting was largely disappointing as they were unable to come to terms with the pitch and the home team's bowling.
Corey Anderson (24 in 42 balls) held the innings together till the 16th over and then perished trying to up the tempo which was sagging far too much.
Wicket keeper Luke Ronchi smashed 21 not out off 11 balls, inclusive of one six and two fours, and helped New Zealand get 15 runs in the final over, to push the score past 120.
For India, rookie medium pacer Jasprit Bumrah (1/15) was easily the most impressive bowler and also accounted for Anderson, while Ravindra Jadeja (1 for 26) and Suresh Raina (1 for 16) were also economical.
Ashish Nehra got 1 for 20 while Ashwin, who opened the bowling, too turned out to expensive but accounted for the wicket of opener Martin Guptill.
New Zealand, who opted to bat first after winning the toss, had come with a positive intent, and attacked Ashwin and upset the off-spinner's rhythm from the first ball. They succeeded to a large extent although losing the wicket of Guptill in the process.
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