Krunal Pandya rues India leaking runs in the middle overs against New Zealand

India today lost the first of the three T20Is against New Zealand at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington by 80 runs. After they won the toss and elected to field first, the hosts, led by Kane Williamson, dictated terms and racked up a colossal 219 for six in 20 overs. Tim Siefert notched his maiden T20I half-century and ended on 84 runs from 43 balls to demolish the Indian bowlers.

India were bowled out for 139 in 19.2 overs with MS Dhoni being the highest run-scorer with 39 runs. In the meantime, Krunal Pandya, who scored 20 runs and picked up one wicket, didn’t mince any words in saying that leaking runs in the powerplay as well as in the middle order turned out to be detrimental.

“In the Powerplay as well as in the middle overs also, we gave away plenty of runs,” Krunal was quoted as saying in the post-match press conference.

Dropping catches is a part and parcel of the game

Admitting the target being too steep, Krunal mentioned: “Yes, obviously I guess, when you are chasing 218 (220), it’s not that easy. Initially, we gave away (too many) runs and kept on leaking runs in the middle overs as well. So no matter how the pitch was, the scoreboard pressure was obviously there. They batted really well and we bowled a few loose deliveries as well. So it was a combination of both.”

When asked whether the windy conditions turned out to be challenging or not, Pandya mentioned: “No not that much. It was fine. In fact, it was good weather to play. As far as the wind is concerned, it wasn’t difficult to catch the ball so I guess it was absolutely fine.”

“Dropping catches is a part and parcel of the game. One day you might take a blinder like Siraj and then another day two catches (Dhoni and Karthik) get dropped as well. It’s just that you have to learn from every game.”

The second game of the series is a must-win one for Rohit Sharma and Co and it would be played at the Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, February 8. The third match is scheduled to be played on Sunday, February 10 at the Seddon Park in Hamilton.

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