World’s best T20 Batter Suryakumar Yadav’s scintillating century at the Bay Oval on Sunday with the combined display of bowlers lead India to win the 2nd T20I over New Zealand by 65 runs. The right-handed batter mesmerized the audience with his 111 not out off 51 balls and that helped India post a total of 191 for 6 in 20 overs. India takes a 1-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series with the win.
Winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson invited India to bat first and the decision completely favoured the Men in Blue in all aspects. It was true India struggled to get going initially in the game with openers Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant as Pant went out in the 5th over itself with a low score of 6. But Suryakumar Yadav joining the squad changed the entire scenario of the game.
Yadav’s spellbinding 360° performance, who never skipped a ball to score, led India to mark a huge margin of win. With his 49-ball century, Suryakumar Yadav has become World’s 1st T20 batter with 859 rating points.
Yadav is now playing the kind of cricket only AB de Villiers was known to play, swirling bat around and still scoring boundaries. He has played a scoop, a ramp, and a cut in a single over itself, bringing boundaries from three. Many acknowledge him as he has activated the God mode in batting.
In the absence of Virat Kohli at No.3, Yadav has smashed 7 sixes and 11 boundaries. Surya kept it ‘simple’ and Virat Kohli tweeted it as a video game innings.
“Numero Uno showing why he’s the best in the world. Didn’t watch it live but I`m sure this was another video game innings by him @surya_14kumar”, Virat Kohli tweeted.
Even though the other players didn’t last long, Yadav lasted until the end, leading the side to a total of 191 runs. Ishan Kishan supported him at the beginning with 36 runs off 31 balls. Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya each scored 13 runs.
The Kiwi’s bowling line-up could not get things going better with Yadav. But Tim Southee’s 3 wickets and Lockie Ferguson’s 2 wickets were a relief to the side.
In opposition, New Zealand tried really hard to catch up with the game. A huge score to chase, the start wasn’t ideal and they kept losing wickets. Only Kane Williamson (61 off 52) scored much runs for the side. But he was also too slow compared with the target they want to cross. Devon Conway was the second-highest run-scorer with 25 runs. All others went out easily without making a significant score. Overall, the Kiwis did not turn up for this game.
Indian bowlers hardly gave anything in the first 6 overs and that built a lot of pressure on New Zealand batters. The spinners also did a good job. Chahal was brilliant throughout the game having 2 wickets in his hands. Hooda’s 4-wicket haul in the latter part was also excellent. Mohammad Siraj and Washington Sundar also claimed 2 and 1 wickets respectively.
Captain Hardik Pandya said it was a complete performance from the side. He appreciated Yadav for his special innings. Kane Williamson also gave credit to Yadav as it was one of the best knocks he has seen.
With the win, India will now have a chance to seal the series in the final T20I. For New Zealand also, it is a must-win game to avoid a series loss. The 3rd T20I will take place on 22nd November at McLean Park. Let’s wait and watch whether India raises the trophy with another tantalizing performance.
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