New Zealand vs India, 3rd ODI - Talking points and Who Said What

The series-deciding third One Day International between New Zealand and India was forced to be called off due to persistent rain, and therefore, the hosts have sealed the series 1-0 having registered a convincing seven-wicket victory in the first game. Notably, even the second ODI was washed out due to rain.

Earlier in the day, only three Indian batters could show some resistance on the 22 yards as the visitors were bowled out for a below-par total of 219 in the 48th over. The good news for India is that Shreyas Iyer once again showcased a consistent performance. They can also take heart from the fact that their lower middle-order has now started clicking and it was courtesy of Washington Sundar’s gritty half-century that the Men in Blue were able to surpass 200.

The bowling was once again a letdown for India and it was only in the 17th over that they were able to find their first breakthrough as youngster Umran Malik succeeded in getting rid of the dangerous Finn Allen before the rain gods intervened.

Washington Sundar’s crucial half-century takes India to a respectable total

Skipper Shikhar Dhawan got out after getting set on 28 and Shreyas Iyer scored a valuable 49. However, it was Washington Sundar’s impactful half-century that made it matter in the end. When wickets fell from one end, Sundar fought valiantly from the other and scored 51 runs off 64 deliveries. His crucial knock helped the Indian team post 219.

Finn Allen and Devon Conway decimate the Indian bowling

Chasing just 220 runs, the Kiwi openers Finn Allen and Devon Conway meant business right from the word ‘go’ and were determined to end the proceedings at the earliest. The duo took the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground and added 97 runs for the opening stand. While Allen scored 57 runs off 54 balls, Conway played a great supporting knock and remained not out on 38.

Losing skipper, Shikhar Dhawan said:

Absolutely, going to Bangladesh, hopefully the weather will be better there. We are a young unit. The bowling unit learnt about bowling the good length area more. We were short at times. All the seniors are going to be back in the side. More Asian wickets is a more practical journey to the World Cup for us. Important to get the small things right - right lengths for the bowlers, batting close to the body in these conditions for the batters... these are the learnings.

Winning skipper, Kane Williamson said:

When we have been playing cricket we have been applying ourselves. Some good stuff in the rained off games too. We knew that 20 overs would constitute a match, but we could see the weather coming, it has been following us. Daryl has been hanging out for a bowl for ages. Milne felt a niggle but didn't want to stop. Focus changes to the Test arena. Guys get a break now and that's important too. Been pretty busy. We will regroup as a Test team after the break.

Player of the Series, Tom Latham said:

It was a nice series for the whole group and personally as well. Bit of a shame I didn't get any play in the next two games. We bowled fantastically well this morning. Hit the right lengths and got some movement off the surface and restricted them to that total. Finn played uncharacteristic in terms of his usual aggressive way. The ball was moving around and it did enough out of the right lengths. Mitchell did a fantastic job too. Lot of the guys have played each other, especially the IPL so there is some friendly banter. Certainly not cold for us but very cold for them.