India winning the key moments has put us under pressure: Ross Taylor

Veteran New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor credited India for pouncing on the opportunities after the Men in Blue won the third ODI on Monday. Continuing their red-hot form, the Men in Blue thrashed the hosts by seven wickets in the third ODI to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. After a couple of dismal performances, New Zealand put up some fight in the do-or-die game but India once again dominated the proceedings.

Kane Williamson’s decision to bat first looked a good one when Tom Latham and Ross Taylor scored fifties and looked to have led the foundation for a big total. However, once Yuzvendra Chahal broke the 129-run stand between the duo, New Zealand’s innings got derailed. The hosts never recovered from it and were all out for just 243 despite being 178 for 3 at one stage.

In reply, India chased down the total by losing just 3 wickets inside 43 overs. Opener Rohit Sharma and skipper Virat Kohli set the platform for the chase beautifully by scoring fifties. Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik then took the team over the line by sharing an unbeaten partnership of 77 runs.

The India’s win saw New Zealand suffering three successive losses at home for the first time since 2013. Following the game, Taylor said that India’s ability to sustain pressure on the opposition made the difference.

“It has been a step-up in opposition, and at the same time, India winning the key moments has put us under pressure,” Taylor said in the press conference. “We just weren’t able to capitalise when we were in a semi-dominant position. But credit to India – when they’ve batted, we haven’t been able to get wickets to put them under pressure. And vice-versa with the bat, with them getting early wickets and putting us under pressure.

Praise for Pandya

Taylor was all praise for India allrounder Hardik Pandya who returned to the side from the suspension that was imposed on him due to his sexist remark on a talk show.  Taylor said that the allrounder provided a ‘nice balance’ to the Indian side. Pandya picked up two crucial wickets and took a stunning diving catch to send back home captain Kane Williamson.

“Hardik brings in a very nice balance to the Indian side. He came in and bowled well, used the change-ups and bumper very well, with the wind as well. We wanted to negate the spinners as much as possible. I thought we were able to do that, but Hardik came in and got some vital wickets and a good catch as well. Just the presence he brings into this Indian side, I think the balance of the side is a lot better when he’s in,” Taylor said.

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