The Indian cricket team displayed an all-round performance to register an emphatic eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in first One-day International (ODI) in Napier on Wednesday. Mohammed Shami proved to be lethal with the new ball as he got rid of New Zealand openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro early. Shami also picked the wicket of Mitchell Santner and as a result of his match-winning performance, he was adjudged the man of the match.
After being asked to bowl, India dismissed hosts New Zealand to 157 runs and later chased down the target in the 35th over with eight wickets to spare.
“It was one of our most balanced performances. With the ball, couldn’t have asked for anything better. When I lost the toss, I thought a score of about 300 par but the bowlers were brilliant. To get them out for 150-odd on this pitch was brilliant,” Kohli said.
“Belief in his (Shami) abilities is key and as he said, the fast bowling unit is extremely confident of knocking any team out,” the 30-year-old added.
