Former batter Wasim Jaffer reckoned that the 20th over bowled by Arshdeep Singh cost India their opening T20I against New Zealand on Friday, January 27 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.
In his first three overs, Arshdeep gave away 24 runs and picked up the important wicket of Devon Conway, who was well set on 52. But the left-arm fast bowler completely lost his way as he leaked 27 runs in his last over.
Arshdeep leaked 23 runs (7nb, 6, 6, 4) off his first three balls of the over. Although he gave only four runs off the last three balls, the damage was already done by then. Arshdeep finished with figures of 4-0-51-1 as New Zealand put up a decent score of 176 for six on the board.
Jaffer also lauded Daryl Mitchell, who racked up a half-century off 26 balls with an 86-metre six over long-on in the second ball of the over.
“India would have been happy with chasing around 160. Even though India would have lost the way they batted, psychologically, when you restrict a team under 160 from getting to 180 it gives you confidence, but that over cost us quite a bit. India and Arshdeep would have been disappointed.
“But full credit to Daryl Mitchell for the way he struck the ball and the way the last over turned out to be,” Jaffer was quoted as saying to ESPNcricinfo.
Jaffer lauded Mitchell Santner for his ‘spot-on’ captaincy after New Zealand secured a 21-run win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
“Mitchell Santner also bowled well and the way he captained the side using his resources was commendable. He was absolutely spot on,” he stated.
“Devon Conway and Finn Allen gave them a good start before Washington Sundar put the brakes on the scoring. Spinners bowled really well and brought India back into the match,” Jaffer added.
