India vs New Zealand: "Best finisher version 2" - Fans rejoice as Rishabh Pant finishes the game with two consecutive sixes at MS Dhoni's home ground

Team India clinched the three-match T20I series against New Zealand by winning the second contest played in Ranchi tonight. They had already won their first match in Jaipur on Wednesday.

Team India bowlers set up the team's win by restricting the visiting team to an average total of 153/6 in the first innings.

The batters didn't let the hard work of bowlers go in vain. Experienced opening duo Rohit Sharma (55) and KL Rahul (65) put on an astonishing 117-run partnership for the first wicket. This made the job easier for their side.

However, both perished when India closed in on victory. Tim Southee (3/16) scalped both openers and then dismissed Suryakumar Yadav but India were far ahead by then.

Rishabh Pant (12 in six balls) finished the game in style by hitting two consecutive sixes in the 18th over bowled by James Neesham. Venkatesh Iyer (12 in 11 balls) was unbeaten at the non-striking end in the company of Pant.

Fans were ecstatic after witnessing Rishabh Pant's ability to finish the match with a six at the home ground of legendary finisher MS Dhoni. They took to Twitter to express the same. Some congratulated Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid as they began their tenure with a resounding series win.

Fans rejoice as Rishabh Pant finishes the game with two consecutive sixes in India's win over New Zealand

Harshal Patel is right up there for me along with Bumrah: Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa reckoned that Harshal Patel's death bowling skills were on par with a top bowler like Jasprit Bumrah. Uthappa was impressed with Harshal Patel's bowling effort in the Ranchi match. He praised Harshal for executing his plans well.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo about Harshal Patel's rising stocks in Indian cricket, Robin Uthappa said:

Harshal Patel was the purple cap holder in IPL 2021 with a record equalling 32 wickets. He got a chance to debut for India in the second T20I against New Zealand in Ranchi. Harshal Patel put on a player of the match performance and helped India seal the series with one match left.

About the author

Balakrishna has been a cricket writer at Sportskeeda for almost seven years. A sport that he has been following and playing since he was eight, Balakrishna enjoys the intensity of the sport, skills and strategies applied to get a result out of nowhere, and the thrill that it gives. He also played as a medium pace bowling all-rounder in four inter-college tournaments, winning twice.

Balakrishna’s all-time favorite cricketers are Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma. He admires Sachin’s stellar performances against legendary bowlers, along with his discipline and humility. Meanwhile, he is a big fan of how Rohit turned around his initial struggles to build a successful career.

He avidly supports Team India and 2016 IPL winners SunRisers Hyderabad. The first World Cup that Balakrishna ever saw was the 2003 World Cup, when Australia comprehensively triumphed over India in the final.

While working, he ensures he only uses reliable sources and provides relevant, ethical, and accurate information. When not working, Balakrishna enjoys playing table tennis and reading non-fiction books.

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