IND vs NZ: Rahul Tripathi's blitzkrieg hands India fiery start in 3rd T20I

The T20I series decider between hosts India and New Zealand got off to a blistering start in front of a full house at the Narendra Modi Stadium, courtesy of Rahul Tripathi's scathing assault on the Kiwi bowlers. Tripathi fell short of a deserved half-century after providing a solid start to the home side.

The Indian team were off to a rocky start after Ishan Kishan failed to impress for a third consecutive time. Despite that early wicket, the home side ensured a successful powerplay, thanks to a rollicking stand between Shubman Gill and Rahul Tripathi. Gill was the aggressor initially before his batting partner upped the ante for the Men in Blue.

Tripathi, who endured a tough time in the opening two matches, was creating havoc for the Kiwi bowlers with his constant movement at the crease. While Shubman Gill smashed Blair Tickner for three boundaries in his first over, Tripathi dished out two eye-catching strikes in the very next over against Lockie Ferguson. He was threatening to take the game away from the visitors before Ish Sodhi put an end to his breathtaking 44 off just 22 deliveries.

Hang on to your seats, for a whirlwind Powerplay has just ended!
Yeh toh sirf 6️⃣ overs the. Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost!

Will #TeamIndia dictate the rest of the innings? #BelieveInBlue and tune-in to the 3rd Mastercard #INDvNZ T20I, LIVE 📺 on Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar. pic.twitter.com/WPmfeh1nHP

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 1, 2023

While Tripathi was visibly disappointed with his shot selection, falling one shot away from a blistering half-century, he had provided a brilliant platform for the incoming Suryakumar Yadav. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill raced to his maiden century in the format, ensuring a brisk scoring rate for his side. He was joined by the Indian skipper Hardik Pandya in the middle after the departure of Suryakuamar Yadav following a swift cameo.

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