NZ vs IND, 1st ODI: Washington Sundar shatters Suresh Raina’s 12-year-old record

With his dazzling cameo of 37* off 16 deliveries, India all-rounder Washington Sundar registered his name in the record books for hitting the fastest 30+ score by an Indian on New Zealand soil. Suresh Raina, at a strike rate of 211.11, had scored 38* off 18 deliveries against the Black Caps in 2009 and held the record ever since. However, Sundar on Friday went past Raina at a thunderous strike rate of 231.25.

The 23-year-old’s spectacular innings helped India post 306 in 50 overs against the Kiwis. Batting first, stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill gave India an ideal start as both the openers registered respective half-centuries. Shreyas Iyer looked sharp once again in the middle order and scored 80 off 76 deliveries and ended up being India’s leading run-scorer in the match.

Washington Sundar wreaked havoc with his bat and was very happy with his batting. When asked about his plans after the first innings, Sundar talked about his approach and mentioned the importance of timing and power.

“It was great to get some runs. I have to let my instincts go through, I also plan my shots, there's a program. It's important to get the timing right, along with the power. It's a par score, if we bowl well we'll be able to win this,” said the cricketer while talking to Prime Video during the innings break.

Tom Latham and Kane Williamson hammer Indian bowlers to help New Zealand win first ODI 

With three quick wickets of Finn Allen, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell, India were cruising towards a massive victory over New Zealand in the first ODI of the series. However, captain Kane Williamson and Tom Latham absolutely shattered the Indian bowlers to hand New Zealand a seven-wicket victory in the end.

Latham, with a strike rate of 139.42, smashed 145 off 104 deliveries while Williamson missed his century by six runs as he finished unbeaten on 94 from 98 deliveries. 

All the other Indian bowlers except Sundar looked clueless for the majority part of the innings as none of the pacers or Yuzvendra Chahal could keep their economy rate below 6. Umran Malik started well with the new ball as the youngster picked two crucial wickets up front but couldn’t capitalise on his momentum. In the end, the Kiwi batters had no problem chasing 306 down.