Never experienced this in my life, says Virat Kohli as sun stops play in Napier

The first ODI between New Zealand and India at McLean Park in Napier did not have much of a buzz for the visitors had a cakewalk. They bowled out the Black Caps for just 157 in 38 overs and then had an easy win with 8 wickets and lots of overs to spare. The Indian bowlers had a satisfying day in office, especially for pacer Mohammed Shami who took three wickets to become the fastest for his country to pick 100 scalps in the ODIs. He was also adjudged the man of the match as India went up 1-0 up without much fuss.

One incident, however, made the match a bit unique and it was its halting for nearly 40 minutes during the Indian chase; the reason being the setting sun falling on the eyes of the batsmen. This has been an issue with the wicket in Napier as it is laid in the East-West direction instead of the preferred North-South so that the rising and setting sun do not distract the batsmen. It was just a few days ago that a T20 game in New Zealand’s domestic Super Smash tournament between Central Stags and Canterbury Kings was disrupted because of the same reason.

Kohli glad now sun rule exists in the game

Indian captain Virat Kohli who was in the middle along with Shikhar Dhawan when the bizarre incident happened said he had never experienced such a thing in his cricketing career. When asked about it, Kohli said, “Never (experienced) in my life, I actually got out in a game in 2014 because the sun was in my eyes. This rule (play stopping because of sun) wasn’t there then. I am glad there’s a rule now.” India Today reported.

The batsman who scored 45 in the match and added decisive 91 runs for the second wicket with Dhawan (75 not out) to seal the game with several overs to spare, lauded the bowlers for their performance.

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