5 matches where India showcased their true potential

#3 India vs New Zealand ODI, 3rd ODI - Auckland 2014

Ravindra Jadeja showed India the face of possible victory

A young team led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni were on the tour of New Zealand, a place which is famous for small boundaries, cold weather, and fast pitches. This was similar to most of India's abroad tours where India struggles to win matches. This match's story is one of the few where India performed their hearts out.

Martin Guptill sets New Zealand for a big score

After being put to bat by India, New Zealand's Openers started on a positive note but Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled out Jesse Ryder just in time. Martin Guptill continued with Kane Williamson and slowly piling up runs for the team. Kane Williamson scored a fifty and completed 150+ partnership with Guptill before getting out. Soon Guptill completed his hundred and got out for a score of 111 runs. middle order and some blows from tailenders took New Zealand to 314. India did not come close to scoring 300 in first 2 matches so it was looking hard for them.

India off to a great start but...

Indian openers also looked comfortable from the start chasing a big target. Looking at both dealing in boundaries and sixes, India's dugout was quite relaxed. Soon Shikhar Dhawan started the chain of events that gave India worries. India lost both their openers as well as No. 3 & 4 Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane within 15 runs and India's score went from 64-0 to 79-4.

Middle order and all-Rounders gave India hope

India looked in a pickle of a situation after losing first 4 very quickly while chasing a big target. Hopes now moved to Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina as they were trying their best to make the situation in favor of India. The duo fall after having a partnership of 67 runs as Tim Southee got the best of Suresh Raina. Next came in Ravichandran Ashwin as India's situation was no good at 146-5. Mahendra Singh Dhoni gave away his wicket as soon as his fifty completed. Ravichandran Ashwin was playing fearlessly as another all-rounder joined him at the crease. Ravindra Jadeja also looked comfortable from the first ball.

Ravindra Jadeja at his best

After Ravi Ashwin, Jadeja kept on hitting shots all over the park. Last 2 overs and India needed 29 runs. With the help of one six over mid wicket, he was able to score 11 runs and India now needed 18 off the last over. Jadeja started the over with a four and later in the over hit a six and a four as well; 2 needed off the last ball. He played the shot, ran the first run hard but could not take the second one so now both sides were 'TIED". Jadeja later awarded Man of the Match for his all-round performance.