India Vs New Zealand: Kiwis Overpower India

DAMBULLA, SRI LANKA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Kiwis started off the Tri-Series in great style as they thrashed India with a shocking 200 run defeat. With perfect corridor bowling, the New Zealand bowlers made a joke of the clueless and inexperienced Indian batting order. Though the audience might have been looking forward to a tight game, it was the spongy bounce on the Dambulla pitch that made life hell for India.

New Zealand batted first and were looking uncomfortable as they lost three quick wickets early on in the innings. It was, however, veteran Scott Styris and captain Ross Taylor who ensured that the New Zealand ship is well anchored. They played aggressively yet with ample caution to make sure that the run rate is healthy throughout. Finishing at 288, it looked like India will have a tough but not impossible score to chase.

The Indian innings started slowly but steadily as Virender Sehwag and Dinesh Kartik looked uncomfortable with the spongy bounce on the pitch. The New Zealand bowlers ensured that the conditions are perfectly exploited as they hounded the Indians with well angled short pitch deliveries. Daryl Tuffey proved that fast bowling was not just about pace, as he maintained a steady line and length outside the off stump to regularly trouble the Indian batsmen. After the openers perished, it was a matter of time that the rest of the middle order showed their lack of experience against a solid bowling order. Skipper MS Dhoni’s run out saw the Indian hopes for the match end, and though there was some resistance offered by Ravindra Jadeja it was just a small delay of the inevitable. India folded up humbly for 88 within 30 overs of the innings.