Sj Desk
Hamilton: What entertainment!There could have been no better end to the 3rd T20 match between India and New Zealand as the Men In Blue beat Kiwis in a super over, hence clinching the five match series 3-0. This is a historic win for India as it had never won a T20 series against NZ on latter's home turf.
It was a Ro-Hit show once again but we are also sorry for New Zealand fans too as Kane Williamson's 95 runs knock on just 48 balls was a treat to eyes. New Zealand entered into a tie during its chase against India's target of 180 runs. Then came the breath taking super over where Kiwis set 18 runs target for India.
Rohit Sharma, batting for the first time in a super over format, gave a memorable end to the game by hitting two sixes in the last two balls. Rohit was the player of match for his brilliant 65 runs off 40 balls and then scoring winning runs for his team in the super over.
Chasing India's competitive target of 180 runs, New Zealand went off to a not so decent start as Kiwis were two down for just 52 runs. Then came the mighty Williamson whose intentions were very clear from the beginning. He was too harsh on Indian bowling line and fielders were having a gala time as there was nothing much for them to do on the ground. Everything from his bat was perfectly timed and was out of the ground. He scored 95 runs off just 48 balls, accessorized with 8 fours and 6 sixes.
Unfortunately, wickets went falling from the other hand which also built pressure on Williamson. New Zealand needed 9 runs in the last over with Taylor and Kan Williamson on the crease. Shami’s very first ball was sent to boundary for a six and now it was nothing much left for India.
Williamson was facing Shami and Kiwis needed just 3 runs off 4 balls. It was a wicket and hopes were on for India again. NZ made two runs in next 3 balls and it was a tie. The game was not over yet.
Williamson and Martin Guptill opened for New Zealand and Bumrah was given the ball for India. New Zealand set a target of 18 runs and it was definitely not easy to chase under pressure. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma were in the middle and Southee was at the bowling end. Ten runs required off 2 balls and India’s Hitman Sharma did it marvelously by hitting two sixes in the final two deliveries of the game.
It was an unexpected finish to the game and an historic win for team India in New Zealand and a breath taking fun for cricket lovers in the end.
