New Zealand: India have lost four result-oriented games in succession away from home in ODIs – by 141 runs at Johannesburg on December 5, 2013 and 134 runs at Durban on December 8, 2013 – both to South Africa and by 24 runs at Napier on January 19, 2014 and by 15 runs at Hamilton on January 22 – both to New Zealand.
India, who desperately needed a win to retain their top spot, made a valiant effort to overhaul the revised target of 297 in 42 overs but failed to cross the finishing line scoring 277 for nine in 41.3 overs, giving Australia pole position in the ICC ODI rankings. The Duckworth-Lewis par score in 41.3 overs was 293.
Virat Kohli top-scored with a sparkling 78 while skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (56), Suresh Raina (35), Ajinkya Rahane (36) got the starts but could not translate them into match-winning knocks. Tim Southee (4/72) was picking of the New Zealand bowlers while Anderson again displayed his all-round prowess picking up three for 67.
Shikhar Dhawan (12, 22 balls) and Rohit Sharma (20, 34 balls) wasted a lot of deliveries upfront as India couldn’t take advantage of the bowling Powerplay. Kohli and Rahane added 90 runs for the third-wicket after Dhawan was bowled by Southee and Sharma edged one to Luke Ronchi behind the stumps.
Earlier, Indian bowlers dished out yet another listless performance as New Zealand scored an imposing 271 for seven in 42 overs. Williamson set the platform with a polished knock of 77 helping Anderson to cut loose as he played a brilliant cameo smashing 44 off 17 balls. Ross Taylor hit 57 off 56 balls with seven hits to the fence.
For India, Mohammad Shami (3-55) was once again the most successful bowler. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1-43), Ishant Sharma (1-46), Ravindra Jadeja (1-46) and Suresh Raina (1-18) took a wicket apiece while R. Ashwin (0-50)’s poor form with the ball continued.
Bureau Report
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