India beat NZ, level series 1-1

Pune : India produced a clinical performance under pressure to beat New Zealand by six wickets in a must-win game and level three-match series 1-1 yesterday.

Paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/45) led an inspired Indian bowling effort to restrict New Zealand to a modest 230 for nine. Later, Shikhar Dhawan (68 off 84 balls) and Dinesh Karthik (64 not out off 92) struck timely half-centuries, enabling the hosts to complete the chase in 46 overs.

The series decider will be played in Kanpur on October 29.

There was a slight doubt whether the second ODI here will go ahead as planned after pitch curator Pandurang Salgaoncar was suspended for allegedly agreeing to tampering with the pitch in a TV sting operation.

However, the game began on time after ICC match referee Chris Broad inspected the pitch.

India, who had to bounce back following their shock loss in the series opener, proved their mettle with an all-round effort.

The chase was comfortable for India despite losing Rohit Sharma cheaply for the second time in the series.

Dhawan was back to his best and played shots all around the ground en route to his 22 ODI fifty. His sublime innings comprised five fours and couple of sixes including the one he hit over midwicket.

The southpaw shared a 57-run stand with Virat Kohli (29) before adding 66 runs with Karthik, who too played a valuable knock.

Karthik, playing at number four after coming in at five in the previous game, grabbed the opportunity with a ninth ODI fifty.

After Dhawan’s departure, Karthik and Hardik Pandya (30) forged a 59-run stand to secure the game for their team.

Earlier, Kumar produced a fine swing bowling display while his pace colleague Jasprit Bumrah (2/38)) and young leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (2/36) picked up two wickets apiece as Indian bowlers came out determined after being asked to bowl.

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel (1/54) too justified the team management’s decision to play him in place of Kuldeep Yadav, by removing the well settled Tom Latham (38).

The Indian bowlers had New Zealand under their mercy from the onset, picking up wickets at regular intervals to reduce the visitors to 58 for four inside 16 overs.

The hosts did not allow the New Zealand batsmen to settle down at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium.