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The first T20I match is over, with New Zealand defeating India by 80 runs. The Kiwis lost the toss and were sent to bat first, but put up a formidable 219 through their fiery batting.
India were unable to chase down the high target and lost all their wickets for 139 in 19.2 overs.
After a poor ODI series, New Zealand now have some breathing space. Here is a look at 3 takeaways from the match which portrayed the strong fighting qualities of the Kiwi team:
1. Tim Seifert gives us a glimpse of Brendon McCullum
Whenever New Zealand play a T20I match, we feel compelled to think of their former captain Brendon McCullum. McCullum frequently put in wonderful performances as a T20 opener for the Kiwis, and also for other league teams over the years.
Tim Seifert, with his fantastic innings today, gave us a blissful reminder of Baz. The young Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman notched up 84 runs from 43 balls which included seven boundaries and six maximums.
A sensational opening partnership was all that New Zealand needed from their opening pair in the whole ODI series. Seifert gave everyone a timely reminder that fiery openers still exist in the New Zealand camp.
It looks likely that the McCullum era is over after his Big Bash retirement. Seifert could possibly be the one that carries forward the legacy of the fearless Kiwi opener in international cricket if he gets more chances.
2. A target too steep for the visitors
New Zealand literally put a grapple-hold around India which proved too difficult to break.
The highest target chased by the visitors in T20Is is 207. That came a decade ago against Sri Lanka in Mohali. The only time that a team has chased a target more than 175 successfully against the Kiwis was during the 2018 Trans-Tasman T20I tri-series in Auckland when the Aussies scored 245. Moreover, the highest T20I total by New Zealand against India came in this match.
This clearly shows that the Kiwis did their homework well and executed their plans to perfection.
3. A chance for New Zealand to make things even
If you are a New Zealand fan reading this, you have reason to feel happy. The Kiwis now have the chance to make things right after a dismal ODI series. If they win all the ensuing matches, then the whole series would get even at 4-4.
Do bear in mind though that the Indian T20 team which is without the regular skipper Virat Kohli should not be discounted. They won the Nidahas Trophy in 2018 without Kohli, so there's no reason why they can't repeat the feat.
Defeating Rohit Sharma's team thrice in a row will not be easy, and the hosts have their task cut out despite their excellent start to the series.
Do you think the Kiwi dominance will continue? Comment your opinions on the match below.
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