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India hold nerve to level NZ T20 series

By AAP Newswire

Jan 30, 2023

Yadav match winner against NZ — India's Suryakumar Yadav on his way to winning their T20 international against Ndw Zealand. -AP

India have held their nerve in the final over as Suryakumar Yadav coolly steered them to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand that levels up their three-match T20 series 1-1.

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New Zealand failed to reach triple figures, managing only 8-99 after winning the toss and opting to bat first at Lucknow in the second match of the series on Sunday, and India got to 4-101 with a ball to spare in reply.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was his team's top scorer with 19 not out from 23 deliveries.

But medium quick Arshdeep Singh claimed 2-7 and legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal took 1-4, both from two overs, while Deepak Hooda and Kuldeep Yadav each returned 1-17 in four overs to help contain New Zealand.

India's No. 4 Yadav top-scored with 26 not out off 31 balls. He and captain Hardik Pandya (15 not out off 20) came together with India at 4-70 halfway through the 15th over and paced the chase effectively, leaving the team needing 18 to win with 18 balls left.

India required six more runs at the start of the 20th over, which was bowled by Blair Tickner and home fans had a nervous wait before Yadav struck a winning four off the penultimate delivery.

Michael Bracewell impressed for the Black Caps, taking 1-13 in his four overs.

India had made one change to their team — Chahal in for pacer Umran Malik — while New Zealand opted for an unchanged side after winning the first game at Ranchi by 21 runs.

The home side's victory now sets up a fascinating series decider at Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press