‘Harshal Is A Skillful Bowler’, Rohit Sharma Praises Team Efforts After Lead In T20I Against NZ
Debutant Harshal Patel (2/25) put on a brilliant display as they restricted New Zealand to 153/6
Mumbai: India T20 skipper and opening batter Rohit Sharma praised pacer Harshal Patel as the debutant who helped his side defeat New Zealand by seven wickets to claim the three-match series on Friday.
“Harshal has done it time and again, he is a very skilful bowler. Even in these conditions, he used the slower ball really well,” said Rohit Sharma.
Debutant Harshal Patel (2/25) put on a brilliant display as they restricted New Zealand to 153/6.
In a post-match presentation, Rohit Sharma said, “Great effort from the entire unit. Wasn’t the easiest of conditions but the way we applied ourselves was amazing. We know their quality of batting; they played some good shots to start with. But I kept telling the boys that it is all about one wicket. But we showed great application and temperament to restrict them. The quality of the bench has been amazing. They have been performing consistently whenever they get the chance. It is important for me to give them freedom. The external matters will take care of themselves. It is a young team and the guys haven’t played a lot of games.”
“It is important that the guys get time in the middle. It is early to think about changes in the next game. Whatever suits team India, we’ll do that. We need to make sure we look after the guys who are playing now. They haven’t played a lot either. For the guys who haven’t played, their time will come, there are a lot of T20s,” he added.
Chasing 154, KL Rahul (65) and Rohit Sharma (55) starred with the bat in the second T201 of the three-match series here at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi on Friday. Both the batters thrashed the Kiwi bowlers at every side, as Rahul brought up his fourth half-century during the game.
However, New Zealand bowlers got a sigh of relief when Rahul was sent back by the skipper Tim Southee in the 14th over. Rohit continued the carnage and also brought up his half-century. But Southee struck back again and dismissed Rohit and Surya Kumar Yadav in the 16th over.
Rishabh Pant smashed two sixes in two deliveries and brought India home with 16 balls to spare.
The Men in Blue sealed the T20I series with a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. India will play the 3rd T20 match against New Zealand on Sunday in Kolkata.
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