Former Indian keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has reckoned that India pulled off a heist in the second T20I against New Zealand after their top-order batters had a rare off-day. India completed a four-wicket win with a ball to spare.
In the 181-run chase, India was in all sorts of trouble at 70/5 in the 11th over. However, Naman Dhir (31 off 17), Tilak Varma (51* off 26) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (26* off 13) turned the tables, propelling the side to a thrilling win in 19.5 overs.
“The chase, at no point, felt like that India have no chance. It always felt like if one guy comes good, it is going to happen. Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, they were phenomenal. It is just brilliant to see India’s top five not doing much and still India pulled off a heist in front of New Zealand’s eyes,” Dinesh Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
“New Zealand were in control for most of the game, barring the first powerplay. So, it is just phenomenal to see the kind of power, the composure. Tilak Varma, I thought he started rather sedately. The way he was able to pick it up and, under pressure, hit those boundaries,” he added.
Further, Karthik praised the playing conditions for offering assistance to the bowlers, while the closely fought contest also led to a few light-hearted exchanges on the field between Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy in the death overs.
“I vouch for these pitches. 160-180 make the best type of T20 cricket. There is a bit of cat and mouse, bowlers have their say. There were big boundaries, you saw running between the wickets, hustling, confusion. Tilak Varma, up until the penultimate ball, was angry with his partner for not running the second, so much drama,” Dinesh Karthik concluded.
