It was like Washington Sundar vs New Zealand: Hardik Pandya lauds all-rounder after Ranchi T20I heroics

India vs New Zealand: Washington Sundar picked up 2 wickets in his 4-over spell and hit his maiden T20I fifty as his efforts went in useless within the T20I collection opener in Ranchi on Friday.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 27, 2023 23:29 IST

It was extra like Washington vs New Zealand: Hardik lauds all-rounder for Ranchi heroics (PTI Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: India captain Hardik Pandya heaped wealthy reward on Washington Sundar, saying it was the all-rounder who waged a lone battle towards New Zealand within the first of a 3-match T20I collection in Ranchi. Sundar shone with each bat and ball, however India misplaced the T20I collection opener by 21 runs at JSCA International Cricket Stadium on Friday, January 27.

Washington Sundar didn’t get a chance within the T20I collection towards Sri Lanka within the New Year as Axar Patel performed the spin bowling all-rounder’s position and shone in it, scoring 117 runs and three wickets within the 3 T20Is.

However, Sundar made the a lot of the alternative that got here his method within the New Zealand T20I collection opener as he obtained the chance within the XI within the absence of Axar, who took a break, for his marriage.

Sundar bowled with wonderful management after India gained the toss and opted to discipline in Ranchi. He bowled as many as two overs within the powerplay and obtained the large wickets of Finn Allen, who was beginning to lower unfastened, and Mark Chapman. Sundar obtained two wickets in the identical over. And he took a one-handed diving catch to ship again Chapman for 0 after organising the left-handed batter with a collection of flatter deliveries.

With the bat, Sundar hit 50 off simply 28 balls, smashing 5 boundaries and three sixes as he single-handedly saved India alive of their 177-run chase after they misplaced Suryakumar Yadav (47) and Hardik Pandya (21) in fast succession after a 68-run partnership for the 4th wicket.

India had been in early hassle as they misplaced their openers Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill together with No. 3 Rahul Tripathi cheaply within the powerplay.

Speaking to the broadcasters after India’s 21-run loss, Hardik Pandya mentioned it is good to have each Axar and Washington in type and firing in T20I cricket.

“The way Washington bowled, batted and fielded, it was more like Washington against New Zealand than India against New Zealand. If he and Axar can continue the way they are, it will help Indian cricket a lot,” he added.

New Zealand rode on Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway’s fifties to submit 176 for six in 20 overs. Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell and Lockie Ferguson shone with 2 wickets every because the guests bounced again from their 3-0 thumping within the ODI collection to take the lead within the T20i collection.

The 2nd of the 3-match collection can be performed in Lucknow on Sunday, January 29.

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Jan 27, 2023