India can become a formidable T20 unit if Harshal Patel is able to form a partnership with Jasprit Bumrah, former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has said. Harshal won player of the match on his international debut, giving away just 16 runs in his last two overs which put the breaks on the New Zealand innings.
“The ability to set up the back overs is so important in T20 cricket. If Harshal Patel has that ability, we obviously know that Bumrah does, it brings a whole new dynamic to how you map out your 20 overs,” Vettori said on ESPNCricinfo.
In addition to giving away just 16 runs, Harshal also took the wicket of the dangerous Glenn Phillips. Him, Deepak Chahar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar combined to give just 25 runs in the last four overs of the New Zealand innings.
“Your first six overs can be more attacking, you may have a specialist at the top because you know you have got those overs locked away at the back. There are not many bowlers who can do it and if India have two of Bumrah and Harshal, it sets them up for being such a formidable team,” said Vettori.
New Zealand ended their innings on 153/6. In reply, captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul’s opening partnership of 117 runs all but ended the match. While New Zealand skipper Tim Southee dismissed Rohit, Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav in consecutive overs, it was not enough to stop India from strolling to a seven-wicket win. It helped India seal a series win with one match left to play.
