New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised India’s opening batsmen Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after their side’s comprehensive defeat in the third T20 International at Wellington.
The Indian pair scored an unprecedented 118 without loss in the powerplay overs, the highest powerplay total in T20I history, leading India to a significant victory. India posted a total of 199 runs, bolstered by Abhishek’s 113 off 38 balls, and chased the target comfortably with over six overs to spare.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Santner said, “Pretty tough to stop those guys (Abhishek and Sooryavanshi) when they are going. We have seen it before; we have seen it in the IPL. Obviously, witnessed it here in New Zealand tonight.”
Reflecting on New Zealand’s batting performance, he added, “Yeah, I think I did a little bit early after the ball. It is another lost toss, but, yeah, I think the way that Daryl and BJ (Bevon Jacobs) kind of got that partnership together, we tracked for 200 there, and obviously 200 is nice. It is a good score on a pitch like that. I thought they bowled really well those last few overs, really got the yorkers in and made it tough for us. So, yeah, reasonably happy. We knew that it was a good wicket. Obviously, when the dew comes in, it’s pretty tough to stop, and the powerplay is such a massive part of this game, and they showed, I guess, how to bat in the powerplay.”
Santner also highlighted the positives for New Zealand in the series, noting improved batting performances from various players. “The batting is a bit firing nicely; obviously, different guys stepping up, which is always nice. You know, guys have got confidence under their belt, which is good. So, yeah, I mean, we know where to score runs against these guys, because it is pretty tough to defend,” he said.
Regarding his bowling strategy in response to the left-handed Indian openers, Santner explained, “I just watched Axar in the first innings. There was not a lot there, and there was a little bit of nibble with the seamers. We had to try (Michael) Bracewell with two left-handers to start. You know, they played that over spin very well. And then, yeah, I think from there we were trying to change it up and see what we can do. But, yeah, we are going to have to look at, you know, ways to try to stop them. And we have seen it before. It is pretty tough to stop them, but we go to Eden Park, where it is potentially smaller all around. So, yeah, we’re going to have to try to find ways, I guess.”
In the match, India won the toss and elected to bowl first. New Zealand’s innings saw early dismissal of Tim Seifert for two runs. However, an 86-run partnership for the second wicket between Finn Allen, who scored 40 from 25 balls including five fours, and Daryl Mitchell helped stabilise the innings. Glenn Phillips scored 17 runs from 14 balls, following two consecutive half-centuries.
Mitchell remained unbeaten on 89 from 52 deliveries, striking five fours and five sixes, while Bevon Jacobs added an unbeaten 39 from 23 balls with four boundaries and a six. New Zealand finished on 198 for three in 20 overs, with Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy each taking a wicket.
During India’s chase, the opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi started aggressively, moving to 133 runs in 7.1 overs. Sooryavanshi scored 45 from 19 balls, hitting four boundaries and four sixes. After a brief setback, Naman Dhir, remaining not out on four runs, secured the win with eight wickets in hand and 40 balls remaining, sealing a 3-0 series victory for India.