India bagged a thrilling four-wicket win in the first T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday, October 22.
Delving into the details of the game, New Zealand was tasked with batting first, and they posted a daunting total of 225/4 in 20 overs. Finn Allen (45) and Glenn Phillips (82*) were exceptional with the bat in the first innings.
In the second innings, India sealed the deal in 19.4 overs with four wickets in hand. Sanju Samson (67), Shreyas Iyer (42) and Naman Dhir (42*) were good enough to take their side over the line.
On that note, let’s take a look at who said what after NZvIND, 1st T20I.
Shreyas Iyer, India captain:
(On how he is feeling) Probably we need to forget about the jetlag now (smiles). When we started bowling, it was playing a bit slow and we bowled a little ahead than the hard lengths we wanted to be hitting. Then dew came in, and the ball started coming onto the bat nicely. When you are chasing 220, getting 85 in six overs, it is a tremendous start. (On the openers) They are experienced enough. We don’t need to tell them about their business. Obviously it does not happen every time. But when they click, they set up the game for us, and the rest of us try to steady the ship and finish. (On Dhir) He gives us lots of options. I personally feel the calm and composed nature he showed tonight, it was magnificent.
Mitchell Santner, New Zealand captain:
(On his injury) A bit of a whiplash there, but I am okay. There was a bit in it at the start, and then the way GP (Phillips) consolidated…we were happy with the score at half-way. They (India openers) put us under pressure. Another big powerplay from them. We were not at our best. In the middle, we did well to squeeze them. Tight game and both teams might look at things that could have gone here or there. (On what probably cost them)Extras at the start and in the field, we were pretty good. Couple of chances, closing out overs…we have to find a way to slow them down, and that might be a 80-run powerplay rather than 100.
Sanju Samson, Player of the Match:
Feels really good. We are just in the moment where we have won the match, and whatever contribution you make, you feel good if you win. Nice overall contribution by everyone. (On his conversations with Abhishek) We do have conversations but it does not make any sense. We just watch the ball and hit it hard. (On the pitch and the conditions) There was a lot of swing – too much in the second half actually. Off the surface, it was coming on nicely, so we were trying to hold our shape. I summed up by gameplan while keeping, but when I came out to bat, it was totally different.
