2nd T20: India choke at the end to lose to NZ by 1 run
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September 11, 2012
22:33 NZ win T20 series 1-0:
- Scorecard
India 166-4 (20 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
NEW ZEALAND BEAT INDIA BY 1 RUN, win T20 series 1-0
New Zealand end the tour on a high with a victory in the second and final T20 International that helps them clinch the two-match T20 series 1-0 after the first match was washed out.
New Zealand also continue their unbeaten run against India in T20s, having won four out of four matches against them.
Franklin made the difference with the ball, claiming two for 26 in four crucial overs towards the end to change the script.
Dhoni's struggle at the start of his innings proved crucial as he managed just 22 from 23 balls, leaving too much to do at the end as his finishing touch deserted him for once.
Last 5 overs made the difference in the end. While New Zealand got 52 in last 5, India could manage only 37 runs.
The big positive for India from the match will be Yuvraj's superb comeback as he played a positive innings of 34 from 26 balls, while also bowling two overs with the ball.
L Balaji also proved his worth, claiming one for 33 in four overs in his comeback to the Indian team.
The two teams now head to Sri Lanka for the Twenty20 World Cup, which begins on September 18.
India 166-4 (20 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
NEW ZEALAND BEAT INDIA BY 1 RUN, win T20 series 1-0
New Zealand end the tour on a high with a victory in the second and final T20 International that helps them clinch the two-match T20 series 1-0 after the first match was washed out.
New Zealand also continue their unbeaten run against India in T20s, having won four out of four matches against them.
Franklin made the difference with the ball, claiming two for 26 in four crucial overs towards the end to change the script.
Dhoni's struggle at the start of his innings proved crucial as he managed just 22 from 23 balls, leaving too much to do at the end as his finishing touch deserted him for once.
Last 5 overs made the difference in the end. While New Zealand got 52 in last 5, India could manage only 37 runs.
The big positive for India from the match will be Yuvraj's superb comeback as he played a positive innings of 34 from 26 balls, while also bowling two overs with the ball.
L Balaji also proved his worth, claiming one for 33 in four overs in his comeback to the Indian team.
The two teams now head to Sri Lanka for the Twenty20 World Cup, which begins on September 18.
22:23 NZ win T20 series 1-0:
- Scorecard
India 166-4 (20 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
NEW ZEALAND BEAT INDIA BY 1 RUN
India need 13 from six balls for victory. Can Yuvraj crown his comeback to international cricket with a match-winning innings? Will Dhoni work his magic in the final over to guide his team home?
Yuvraj chips down the wicket to Franklin but fails to connect and India get just one leg bye....12 needed from 5 balls.
Dhoni pulls Franklin through midwicket for a four to make it 8 needed from 4 balls. Never write off India when Dhoni is out in the middle.
Franklin succumbs to the pressure and bowls a wide.
Dhoni slaps the next ball to the long-on region for one to bring Yuvraj back on strike....6 needed from 3 balls.
One again the slower ball does the trick for New Zealand. Franklin foxes Yuvraj with the change of pace and Yuvraj's intended heave across the line fails as he is bowled for a good knock of 34 from 26 balls.
India need 6 from 2 balls for victory as Rohit Sharma walks out to bat.
Rohit lofts Franklin down the ground and India get two runs to the long-on fielder. He can manage only two runs from the final ball as India lose by a narrow margin of one run.
India 166-4 (20 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
NEW ZEALAND BEAT INDIA BY 1 RUN
India need 13 from six balls for victory. Can Yuvraj crown his comeback to international cricket with a match-winning innings? Will Dhoni work his magic in the final over to guide his team home?
Yuvraj chips down the wicket to Franklin but fails to connect and India get just one leg bye....12 needed from 5 balls.
Dhoni pulls Franklin through midwicket for a four to make it 8 needed from 4 balls. Never write off India when Dhoni is out in the middle.
Franklin succumbs to the pressure and bowls a wide.
Dhoni slaps the next ball to the long-on region for one to bring Yuvraj back on strike....6 needed from 3 balls.
One again the slower ball does the trick for New Zealand. Franklin foxes Yuvraj with the change of pace and Yuvraj's intended heave across the line fails as he is bowled for a good knock of 34 from 26 balls.
India need 6 from 2 balls for victory as Rohit Sharma walks out to bat.
Rohit lofts Franklin down the ground and India get two runs to the long-on fielder. He can manage only two runs from the final ball as India lose by a narrow margin of one run.
22:15 - Scorecard
India 155-3 (19 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Dhoni pulls the first ball from Oram to midwicket and sprints across for two runs. The next ball is slower in pace and Dhoni can only pull it down the ground to long-on for one.
Yuvraj then tries the big shot off the next ball but gets a thick inside edge for one to the leg side.
Oram keeps mixing his pace as Dhoni once again misses with the pull and it hits his body for a leg bye.
Yuvraj brings India back in the contest with a heave over midwicket for a six to make the equation 14 needed from seven balls.
A leg bye from the last ball makes it 13 runs needed from the last over.
India 155-3 (19 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Dhoni pulls the first ball from Oram to midwicket and sprints across for two runs. The next ball is slower in pace and Dhoni can only pull it down the ground to long-on for one.
Yuvraj then tries the big shot off the next ball but gets a thick inside edge for one to the leg side.
Oram keeps mixing his pace as Dhoni once again misses with the pull and it hits his body for a leg bye.
Yuvraj brings India back in the contest with a heave over midwicket for a six to make the equation 14 needed from seven balls.
A leg bye from the last ball makes it 13 runs needed from the last over.
22:10 India 143-3 in 18 overs: - Scorecard
India 143-3 (18 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Dhoni has struggled to get going with just nine runs from 15 balls, while Yuvraj has hit 25 from 18 balls.
Dhoni edges the first ball of Franklin's third over and it goes on the bounce to keeper McCullum. But he breaks the shackles off the next ball as he lofts it over midwicket for a four before a single from the next ball.
Yuvraj is then foxed by the slower ball from Yuvraj, who tries a big shot but fails to connect. India now need 27 from 15 balls as the pressure starts to build.
Yuvraj pulls the next ball to deep midwicket and gets a couple. He fails to get the last ball away as India now need 25 from last two overs for victory.
India 143-3 (18 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Dhoni has struggled to get going with just nine runs from 15 balls, while Yuvraj has hit 25 from 18 balls.
Dhoni edges the first ball of Franklin's third over and it goes on the bounce to keeper McCullum. But he breaks the shackles off the next ball as he lofts it over midwicket for a four before a single from the next ball.
Yuvraj is then foxed by the slower ball from Yuvraj, who tries a big shot but fails to connect. India now need 27 from 15 balls as the pressure starts to build.
Yuvraj pulls the next ball to deep midwicket and gets a couple. He fails to get the last ball away as India now need 25 from last two overs for victory.
22:06
- Scorecard
India 136-3 (17 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Oram replaces Vettori, who has completed his four over spell for 37 runs. Dhoni takes a single from the first ball and Yuvraj plays a dot ball before a single from the next.
There is a huge appeal for caught behind against Dhoni but the umpire turns it down and quite rightly so.
Dhoni is struggling to get the ball away as the pressure keeps building.
Just three runs from that over, which means India have scored just 17 runs from the last four overs.
India 136-3 (17 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Oram replaces Vettori, who has completed his four over spell for 37 runs. Dhoni takes a single from the first ball and Yuvraj plays a dot ball before a single from the next.
There is a huge appeal for caught behind against Dhoni but the umpire turns it down and quite rightly so.
Dhoni is struggling to get the ball away as the pressure keeps building.
Just three runs from that over, which means India have scored just 17 runs from the last four overs.
22:01 India need 35 from 4 overs for victory: - Scorecard
India 133-3 (16 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Yuvraj takes a single from the first ball of Franklin's second over. Dhoni is struggling to get going as the Kiwi bowlers mix their pace and he defends it back to the bowler before taking a single off the next ball.
Just four runs from the Franklin as NZ continue to dry up the runs after Kohli's dismissal.
India are 133 for three in 16 overs, needing 35 runs from four overs for victory.
India 133-3 (16 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Yuvraj takes a single from the first ball of Franklin's second over. Dhoni is struggling to get going as the Kiwi bowlers mix their pace and he defends it back to the bowler before taking a single off the next ball.
Just four runs from the Franklin as NZ continue to dry up the runs after Kohli's dismissal.
India are 133 for three in 16 overs, needing 35 runs from four overs for victory.
21:57 - Scorecard
India 129-3 (15 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Vettori continues despite being hit for 16 runs in his previous over. Dhoni is struck on the pads off the first ball and takes a single on the leg side from the next.
Yuvraj plays the next ball fine on the leg side for one as Dhoni defends the next two balls straight back to the bowler as Vettori varies his pace quite well.
Two more singles to end the over as India reach 129 for three in 15 overs, needing 39 from the last five overs for victory.
India 129-3 (15 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Vettori continues despite being hit for 16 runs in his previous over. Dhoni is struck on the pads off the first ball and takes a single on the leg side from the next.
Yuvraj plays the next ball fine on the leg side for one as Dhoni defends the next two balls straight back to the bowler as Vettori varies his pace quite well.
Two more singles to end the over as India reach 129 for three in 15 overs, needing 39 from the last five overs for victory.
21:54 Franklin claims the wicket of Kohli:
- Scorecard
India 124-3 (14 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
WICKET: Kohli c sub (Southee) b Franklin 70 (41b, 10x4, 1x6)
Yuvraj is looking in superb touch, doesn't look like he was away for nine months. James Franklin is introduced into the attack now as the visitors are desperate for a wicket now.
And the left-arm pacer provides the breakthrough as Kohli holes out to the long-off fielder after a magnificent innings of 70 from 41 balls, with the help of 10 fours and a six.
Substitute fielder Tim Southee completed a good catch at long-off, running to his left and diving forward to give his team some hope.
Yuvraj takes a single from the next ball to move to 21 from 12 balls. New batsman captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is off the mark with two runs on the leg side and a single to end the over.
India 124-3 (14 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
WICKET: Kohli c sub (Southee) b Franklin 70 (41b, 10x4, 1x6)
Yuvraj is looking in superb touch, doesn't look like he was away for nine months. James Franklin is introduced into the attack now as the visitors are desperate for a wicket now.
And the left-arm pacer provides the breakthrough as Kohli holes out to the long-off fielder after a magnificent innings of 70 from 41 balls, with the help of 10 fours and a six.
Substitute fielder Tim Southee completed a good catch at long-off, running to his left and diving forward to give his team some hope.
Yuvraj takes a single from the next ball to move to 21 from 12 balls. New batsman captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is off the mark with two runs on the leg side and a single to end the over.
21:47 - Scorecard
India 119-2 (13 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Mills has suffered a bruise on the left eye and walks off the park with a black eye, while McCullum continues to take treatment on the field.
India are looking comfortable at the moment with 65 needed from eight overs, with eight wickets in hand.
Vettori comes on to bowl and Yuvraj lofts him over midwicket for a SIXXXX!!! That was a Yuvraj special and as Ravi Shastri rightly described "a piece of cake" for the stylish left-hander.
Kohli takes a cue from Yuvraj's book as he steps out to Vettori and lofts him him inside out over the off-side for another maximum.
16 runs from that over as India reach 119 for two in 13 overs, with 49 needed from seven overs for victory.
India 119-2 (13 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Mills has suffered a bruise on the left eye and walks off the park with a black eye, while McCullum continues to take treatment on the field.
India are looking comfortable at the moment with 65 needed from eight overs, with eight wickets in hand.
Vettori comes on to bowl and Yuvraj lofts him over midwicket for a SIXXXX!!! That was a Yuvraj special and as Ravi Shastri rightly described "a piece of cake" for the stylish left-hander.
Kohli takes a cue from Yuvraj's book as he steps out to Vettori and lofts him him inside out over the off-side for another maximum.
16 runs from that over as India reach 119 for two in 13 overs, with 49 needed from seven overs for victory.
21:41 Kohli smashes half-century:
- Scorecard
India 103-2 (12 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Kohli continues the flow of boundaries. He chips down the wicket to Milne and chops it past the cover fielder for a four, his 10th of the innings.
Yuvraj nearly gets his first boundary as he steers a full ball past the point fielder and Williamson comes up with a good save on the boundary to stop a certain four.
Milne bowls from round the wicket and there is a slip in place. Yuvraj throws his bat at a wide delivery, gets a thick outside edge which flies past the slip fielder for a four, his first after his comeback.
He then drives it on the up past the cover fielder as the sweeper covers up to give two runs and bring up India's 100 in the 12th over.
Yuvraj top edges the final delivery but is dropped after a collision between two Kiwi fielders on the fine leg region. The top edge flies on the leg side as the fine leg fielder Mills runs in to catch he has a nasty collision with wicketkeeper McCullum who also ran towards the ball.
A lucky let-off for Yuvraj on 11 much to the delight of the crowd but everyone is concerned for the two injured Kiwi fielders lying on the field.
India 103-2 (12 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Kohli continues the flow of boundaries. He chips down the wicket to Milne and chops it past the cover fielder for a four, his 10th of the innings.
Yuvraj nearly gets his first boundary as he steers a full ball past the point fielder and Williamson comes up with a good save on the boundary to stop a certain four.
Milne bowls from round the wicket and there is a slip in place. Yuvraj throws his bat at a wide delivery, gets a thick outside edge which flies past the slip fielder for a four, his first after his comeback.
He then drives it on the up past the cover fielder as the sweeper covers up to give two runs and bring up India's 100 in the 12th over.
Yuvraj top edges the final delivery but is dropped after a collision between two Kiwi fielders on the fine leg region. The top edge flies on the leg side as the fine leg fielder Mills runs in to catch he has a nasty collision with wicketkeeper McCullum who also ran towards the ball.
A lucky let-off for Yuvraj on 11 much to the delight of the crowd but everyone is concerned for the two injured Kiwi fielders lying on the field.
21:32 India lose 2nd wicket:
- Scorecard
India 88-2 (11 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
WICKET: Raina c Taylor b Mills 27 (22b, 2x4, 1x6)
Kohli has raced to 56 from 34 balls, while Raina has made 27 from 20 balls with the duo adding 60 runs from 42 balls for the second wicket.
Mills gets the vital breakthrough with the wicket of Raina, who chips it straight to the fielder on the off-side after scoring 27 from 22 balls.
Yuvraj Singh walks out to bat to a huge cheer from the Chennai crowd. He defends the first ball before flicking the next ball on the leg side for a single.
He confidently defends the last ball of that over as Mills bowls it short and on the body. It is all about Yuvraj now as for a moment we forgot there was a match going on!
India 88-2 (11 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
WICKET: Raina c Taylor b Mills 27 (22b, 2x4, 1x6)
Kohli has raced to 56 from 34 balls, while Raina has made 27 from 20 balls with the duo adding 60 runs from 42 balls for the second wicket.
Mills gets the vital breakthrough with the wicket of Raina, who chips it straight to the fielder on the off-side after scoring 27 from 22 balls.
Yuvraj Singh walks out to bat to a huge cheer from the Chennai crowd. He defends the first ball before flicking the next ball on the leg side for a single.
He confidently defends the last ball of that over as Mills bowls it short and on the body. It is all about Yuvraj now as for a moment we forgot there was a match going on!
21:26 - Scorecard
India 86-1 (10 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Kohli then tries to take on Hira but gets an inside edge which gets him two runs on the leg side to bring up the 50-run partnership for the second wicket in 37 balls.
Raina then advances down the wickets and lofts Hira over long-on for a six as India reach 86 for one at the halfway stage.
They need 82 from the remaining 10 overs for victory.
India 86-1 (10 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Kohli then tries to take on Hira but gets an inside edge which gets him two runs on the leg side to bring up the 50-run partnership for the second wicket in 37 balls.
Raina then advances down the wickets and lofts Hira over long-on for a six as India reach 86 for one at the halfway stage.
They need 82 from the remaining 10 overs for victory.
21:22 India 74 for one after 9 overs: - Scorecard
India 74-1 (9 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Vettori comes on to bowl from the other end. Kohli slaps the first ball to sweeper cover for one before Raina gets one on the leg side.
A couple of deliveries later, Kohli charges down the wicket and chips Vettori over the cover region for a four as the Kiwis slips on the field yet again.
That boundary brings up Kohli's fifty from just 30 balls as India reach 74 for one after nine overs.
India 74-1 (9 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Vettori comes on to bowl from the other end. Kohli slaps the first ball to sweeper cover for one before Raina gets one on the leg side.
A couple of deliveries later, Kohli charges down the wicket and chips Vettori over the cover region for a four as the Kiwis slips on the field yet again.
That boundary brings up Kohli's fifty from just 30 balls as India reach 74 for one after nine overs.
21:19 - Scorecard
India 65-1 (8 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
New Zealand bring on their second left-arm spinner in Ronnie Hira. Raina takes a single down the ground and Kohli does the same off the next ball. Raina then takes a few steps down the wicket before stroking it through the covers to get two runs and ends the over with another couple on the off-side.
India are comfortably placed at 65 for one in eight overs.
India 65-1 (8 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
New Zealand bring on their second left-arm spinner in Ronnie Hira. Raina takes a single down the ground and Kohli does the same off the next ball. Raina then takes a few steps down the wicket before stroking it through the covers to get two runs and ends the over with another couple on the off-side.
India are comfortably placed at 65 for one in eight overs.
21:15 - Scorecard
India 57-1 (7 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Kohli is in the form of his life. He eases the first ball of Milne's new over past the point fielder for his seventh boundary of the innings. That was as easy as they come!
Kohli then top edges a pull shot but the ball flies over keeper McCullum for a boundary. That was the only blemish from Kohli so far today as he looks set to dominate the Kiwi attack.
10 runs from that over as India reach 57 for one after seven overs.
India 57-1 (7 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Kohli is in the form of his life. He eases the first ball of Milne's new over past the point fielder for his seventh boundary of the innings. That was as easy as they come!
Kohli then top edges a pull shot but the ball flies over keeper McCullum for a boundary. That was the only blemish from Kohli so far today as he looks set to dominate the Kiwi attack.
10 runs from that over as India reach 57 for one after seven overs.
21:10 - Scorecard
India 47-1 (6 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Oram comes on to bowl his second over. He hits the first ball to the point fielder and then defends the second ball back to the bowler. Three dot balls on the trot before Raina looks to blast it over the covers but he fails to connect as the pressure builds up on the left-hander.
But Raina breaks the shackles as he gives himself room and flays the next ball past the point fielder for a four.
Raina (10) is DROPPED off the next ball despite a spectacular effort from Milne at mid-off, who dived full length to his left but failed to hold on as he hit the ground. That would have been the catch of the season so far!
India 47-1 (6 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Oram comes on to bowl his second over. He hits the first ball to the point fielder and then defends the second ball back to the bowler. Three dot balls on the trot before Raina looks to blast it over the covers but he fails to connect as the pressure builds up on the left-hander.
But Raina breaks the shackles as he gives himself room and flays the next ball past the point fielder for a four.
Raina (10) is DROPPED off the next ball despite a spectacular effort from Milne at mid-off, who dived full length to his left but failed to hold on as he hit the ground. That would have been the catch of the season so far!
21:05 Gambhir out for 3: - Scorecard
India 43-1 (5 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Kohli is on fire at the moment as he races to 28 from 15 balls, having hit five boundaries already.
With India off to a flying start, the Kiwis are quick to bring on their most experience bowler Daniel Vettori into the attack.
Raina takes a single from the first ball and it seems he would have been in trouble had the ball hit the stumps at the non-striker's end.
Kohli then rocks on the backfoot and cuts a short ball from Vettori through the covers for a four. Two balls later he finds the gap to perfection playing it late past the short thirdman fielder for a couple.
Seven runs from Vettori's first over as India reach 43 for one after five overs.
India 43-1 (5 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Kohli is on fire at the moment as he races to 28 from 15 balls, having hit five boundaries already.
With India off to a flying start, the Kiwis are quick to bring on their most experience bowler Daniel Vettori into the attack.
Raina takes a single from the first ball and it seems he would have been in trouble had the ball hit the stumps at the non-striker's end.
Kohli then rocks on the backfoot and cuts a short ball from Vettori through the covers for a four. Two balls later he finds the gap to perfection playing it late past the short thirdman fielder for a couple.
Seven runs from Vettori's first over as India reach 43 for one after five overs.
21:01
- Scorecard
India 36-1 (4 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Suresh Raina joins Kohli out in the middle as veteran Oram comes on to bowl the fourth over.
Kohli defends the first ball and plays the next ball to fine leg for one. Raina gets off the mark with a boundary as he plays Oram to the covers where the fielder fails to stop it.
The left-hander is then quick to pounce on a short delivery pulling it to deep midwicket for one.
Kohli then charges down the wicket and times the ball sweetly past the cover fielder for a boundary to continue India's quick start.
India 36-1 (4 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Suresh Raina joins Kohli out in the middle as veteran Oram comes on to bowl the fourth over.
Kohli defends the first ball and plays the next ball to fine leg for one. Raina gets off the mark with a boundary as he plays Oram to the covers where the fielder fails to stop it.
The left-hander is then quick to pounce on a short delivery pulling it to deep midwicket for one.
Kohli then charges down the wicket and times the ball sweetly past the cover fielder for a boundary to continue India's quick start.
21:01 Mills claims first wicket for NZ:
- Scorecard
India 26-1 (3 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
WICKET: Gambhir c and b Mills 3 (6b)
Kohli chips down the wicket to Mills before stroking it on the leg side for one. Gambhir is beaten outside the off-stump as he tries to steer it to the thirdman region before he advances down the wicket and hits it past the point fielder but gets just a single.
Kohli then lofts Mills back over his head for a boundary, his fourth of the innings, that takes him to 22 from 11 balls at an amazing strike rate of 200.
The youngster then plays it softly on the leg side for one.
Gambhir is then caught and bowled by Mills as he gets the leading edge trying to play the ball on the leg side after scoring just three. The tall pacer was quick to get down and dive forward to complete the catch to make the breakthrough.
India 26-1 (3 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
WICKET: Gambhir c and b Mills 3 (6b)
Kohli chips down the wicket to Mills before stroking it on the leg side for one. Gambhir is beaten outside the off-stump as he tries to steer it to the thirdman region before he advances down the wicket and hits it past the point fielder but gets just a single.
Kohli then lofts Mills back over his head for a boundary, his fourth of the innings, that takes him to 22 from 11 balls at an amazing strike rate of 200.
The youngster then plays it softly on the leg side for one.
Gambhir is then caught and bowled by Mills as he gets the leading edge trying to play the ball on the leg side after scoring just three. The tall pacer was quick to get down and dive forward to complete the catch to make the breakthrough.
20:51 India 19-0 after 2 overs:
- Scorecard
India 19-0 (2 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
The in-form Kohli is off to a flying start as he crashes pacer Adam Milne through the covers for his second boundary and takes a single from the next ball to deep square leg.
Gambhir defends the next ball on the leg side and cuts the fourth ball past point for one.
There is no stopping Kohli at the moment as he punches a full delivery straight down back past the bowler despite a valiant diving effort from Oram at mid-on.
11 runs from that over as India reach 19 for no loss after two overs.
India 19-0 (2 ovs) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
The in-form Kohli is off to a flying start as he crashes pacer Adam Milne through the covers for his second boundary and takes a single from the next ball to deep square leg.
Gambhir defends the next ball on the leg side and cuts the fourth ball past point for one.
There is no stopping Kohli at the moment as he punches a full delivery straight down back past the bowler despite a valiant diving effort from Oram at mid-on.
11 runs from that over as India reach 19 for no loss after two overs.
20:46 Kohli, Gambhir open batting for India: - Scorecard
India 8-0 (1 over) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Virat Kohli walks out to open the batting with Gautam Gambhir. The left-hander takes first strike against Kyle Mills and gets off the mark with a single from the first delivery.
Kohli defends the next ball before steering the next ball past point for a four. He tries the shot again but this time Jacob Oram runs around and produces a good stop at thirdman to keep it down to two runs.
Kohli then takes a confident stride forward to defend the next ball before flicking the next ball to deep square leg for one.
India 8-0 (1 over) vs NZ 167-5 (20 ovs)
Virat Kohli walks out to open the batting with Gautam Gambhir. The left-hander takes first strike against Kyle Mills and gets off the mark with a single from the first delivery.
Kohli defends the next ball before steering the next ball past point for a four. He tries the shot again but this time Jacob Oram runs around and produces a good stop at thirdman to keep it down to two runs.
Kohli then takes a confident stride forward to defend the next ball before flicking the next ball to deep square leg for one.
20:35 McCullum smashed 91 from 55 balls: - Scorecard
New Zealand: 167-5 (20 ovs) vs India
At the start, NZ were reduced to 2 for two after 1.3 overs before a 90-run partnership for the third wicket between Williamson (28) and McCullum led their fightback.
McCullum played a smashing innings of 91 from 55 balls as he went beserk after a steady start, hitting 11 fours and three sixes.
Pathan starred with the ball for India, taking three for 31 in four overs and Balaji bowled well on his comeback to take one for 33. Ashwin was preferred ahead of Harbhajan, but he disappointed with the ball to concede 34 from three overs.
With Daniel Vettori and a string of all-rounders in their line-up, New Zealand will fancy their chances of defending this total.
New Zealand: 167-5 (20 ovs) vs India
At the start, NZ were reduced to 2 for two after 1.3 overs before a 90-run partnership for the third wicket between Williamson (28) and McCullum led their fightback.
McCullum played a smashing innings of 91 from 55 balls as he went beserk after a steady start, hitting 11 fours and three sixes.
Pathan starred with the ball for India, taking three for 31 in four overs and Balaji bowled well on his comeback to take one for 33. Ashwin was preferred ahead of Harbhajan, but he disappointed with the ball to concede 34 from three overs.
With Daniel Vettori and a string of all-rounders in their line-up, New Zealand will fancy their chances of defending this total.
20:32 McCullum smashed 91 from 55 balls: - Scorecard
New Zealand: 167-5 (20 ovs) vs India
Balaji starts the final over with a slower ball which Oram lofts on the leg side but it falls in the vacant spaces near midwicket for two runs.
Oram is quick to pounce on the width off the next ball and crashes it over point for a boundary.
Once again the slower ball from Balaji and Oram is too quick with his hoick on the leg side as he inside edges it behind square on the leg side for one.
Taylor also fails to make most of the full toss as Balaji continues bowling the slower deliveries, hitting it to the covers for two runs.
Taylor hits the final delivery on the leg side for a single as NZ finish on a healthy 167 for five in 20 overs.
New Zealand: 167-5 (20 ovs) vs India
Balaji starts the final over with a slower ball which Oram lofts on the leg side but it falls in the vacant spaces near midwicket for two runs.
Oram is quick to pounce on the width off the next ball and crashes it over point for a boundary.
Once again the slower ball from Balaji and Oram is too quick with his hoick on the leg side as he inside edges it behind square on the leg side for one.
Taylor also fails to make most of the full toss as Balaji continues bowling the slower deliveries, hitting it to the covers for two runs.
Taylor hits the final delivery on the leg side for a single as NZ finish on a healthy 167 for five in 20 overs.
20:27 - Scorecard
New Zealand: 156-5 (19 ovs) vs India
Zaheer comes on to bowl his final over after a wonderful first spell of one for 17 in three overs with the new ball.
Oram welcomes the pacer to the crease with a huge six as he despatches a length delivery over the mudwicket fence. Zaheer then bowls a good yorker which Oram fails to connect and he inside edges the next ball which goes past Dhoni for a boundary behind the wickets.
Zaheer then bowls a good yorker and Oram digs it out on the off-side for one.
10 runs from that over as NZ reach 156 for five in 19 overs.
New Zealand: 156-5 (19 ovs) vs India
Zaheer comes on to bowl his final over after a wonderful first spell of one for 17 in three overs with the new ball.
Oram welcomes the pacer to the crease with a huge six as he despatches a length delivery over the mudwicket fence. Zaheer then bowls a good yorker which Oram fails to connect and he inside edges the next ball which goes past Dhoni for a boundary behind the wickets.
Zaheer then bowls a good yorker and Oram digs it out on the off-side for one.
10 runs from that over as NZ reach 156 for five in 19 overs.
20:21 NZ lose 5th wicket:
- Scorecard
New Zealand: 146-5 (18 ovs) vs India
WICKET: Franklin c Yuvraj b Balaji 1 (2b)
James Franklin is the new batsman for the visitors as Balaji comes back for another spell. He starts with a slower ball and Taylor can hit the full toss down to long-off for one.
Franklin is then foxed by the slower ball as he gets the leading edge trying to play it on the leg side and is caught on the off-side by Yuvraj for one. Yuvraj was off the field for a while to get his left hand treated after he was hit while trying to take a return catch from McCullum but it is good to see him back.
Balaji gets his first wicket on his comeback to international cricket. Jacob Oram is the new batsman and he is off the mark with a single.
Balaji is mixing his pace well, keeping the batsmen guessing as Taylor can hit a slower delivery to long-on for one.
Just four runs from that over and a wicket for Balaji.
New Zealand: 146-5 (18 ovs) vs India
WICKET: Franklin c Yuvraj b Balaji 1 (2b)
James Franklin is the new batsman for the visitors as Balaji comes back for another spell. He starts with a slower ball and Taylor can hit the full toss down to long-off for one.
Franklin is then foxed by the slower ball as he gets the leading edge trying to play it on the leg side and is caught on the off-side by Yuvraj for one. Yuvraj was off the field for a while to get his left hand treated after he was hit while trying to take a return catch from McCullum but it is good to see him back.
Balaji gets his first wicket on his comeback to international cricket. Jacob Oram is the new batsman and he is off the mark with a single.
Balaji is mixing his pace well, keeping the batsmen guessing as Taylor can hit a slower delivery to long-on for one.
Just four runs from that over and a wicket for Balaji.
20:16 Pathan gets 3rd wicket:
- Scorecard
New Zealand: 141-4 (17 ovs) vs India
WICKET: B McCullum b Pathan 91 (55b, 11x4, 3x6)
Ashwin has gone for 34 runs in three overs, while Kohli has been hit for 27 in three as NZ continue to build towards a big total.
Taylor continues the fireworks as he lofts Pathan over the long-on fielder for a six. Pathan then goes back to over the wicket and Taylor hits a full delivery down to long-off for one.
McCullum advances down the wicket giving himself room before slapping a slower ball from Pathan through the covers for a four that takes him into the 90s.
Pathan then foxes McCullum with a slower delivery which bowls him for a quickfire 91 from 55 balls, having hit 11 fours and three sixes.
McCullum tried to sweep the slower delivery but failed to connect which hit his pads before going on to the stumps.
An important wicket for India as New Zealand were running away with the wicket courtesy of some attacking batting by McCullum.
New Zealand: 141-4 (17 ovs) vs India
WICKET: B McCullum b Pathan 91 (55b, 11x4, 3x6)
Ashwin has gone for 34 runs in three overs, while Kohli has been hit for 27 in three as NZ continue to build towards a big total.
Taylor continues the fireworks as he lofts Pathan over the long-on fielder for a six. Pathan then goes back to over the wicket and Taylor hits a full delivery down to long-off for one.
McCullum advances down the wicket giving himself room before slapping a slower ball from Pathan through the covers for a four that takes him into the 90s.
Pathan then foxes McCullum with a slower delivery which bowls him for a quickfire 91 from 55 balls, having hit 11 fours and three sixes.
McCullum tried to sweep the slower delivery but failed to connect which hit his pads before going on to the stumps.
An important wicket for India as New Zealand were running away with the wicket courtesy of some attacking batting by McCullum.
20:10 - Scorecard
New Zealand: 128-3 (16 ovs) vs India
Taylor hits Kohli to deep midwicket for one before McCullum gets one on the leg side. Taylor then steers it fine on the thirdman region to get two runs and then gets a single from the next ball.
McCullum then pulls a short ball from Kohli through midwicket finding the gap to perfection between the two fielders on the ropes for a boundary. He lofts the next ball over the cover region for another four to race to 87 from 53 balls as NZ reach 128 for three in 16 overs.
New Zealand: 128-3 (16 ovs) vs India
Taylor hits Kohli to deep midwicket for one before McCullum gets one on the leg side. Taylor then steers it fine on the thirdman region to get two runs and then gets a single from the next ball.
McCullum then pulls a short ball from Kohli through midwicket finding the gap to perfection between the two fielders on the ropes for a boundary. He lofts the next ball over the cover region for another four to race to 87 from 53 balls as NZ reach 128 for three in 16 overs.
20:06 New Zealand in control: - Scorecard
New Zealand: 115-3 (15 ovs) vs India
Ashwin back into the attack now. A single each for McCullum and Taylor before the former lofts it over the cover region for a boundary.
He then takes a single to long-off to race to 72 from 49 balls before Ashwin bowls it wide down the leg side.
Taylor chips it to deep midwicket for a single before McCullum chips down the track and deposits the full toss over the sightscreen for a six.
15 runs from that over as NZ reach 115 for three after 15 overs.
New Zealand: 115-3 (15 ovs) vs India
Ashwin back into the attack now. A single each for McCullum and Taylor before the former lofts it over the cover region for a boundary.
He then takes a single to long-off to race to 72 from 49 balls before Ashwin bowls it wide down the leg side.
Taylor chips it to deep midwicket for a single before McCullum chips down the track and deposits the full toss over the sightscreen for a six.
15 runs from that over as NZ reach 115 for three after 15 overs.
20:01 - Scorecard
New Zealand: 100-3 (14 ovs) vs India
Kohli continues as he bowls his second over. McCullum hits the first ball straight to the fielder in the covers and pulls the next ball to deep midwicket for one.
The medium pacer is bowling it slow making the batsman do all the work.
New batsman Ross Taylor takes a single down the ground and McCullum then it to sweeper cover.
Just five singles from that over as NZ reach 100 for three after 14 overs.
New Zealand: 100-3 (14 ovs) vs India
Kohli continues as he bowls his second over. McCullum hits the first ball straight to the fielder in the covers and pulls the next ball to deep midwicket for one.
The medium pacer is bowling it slow making the batsman do all the work.
New batsman Ross Taylor takes a single down the ground and McCullum then it to sweeper cover.
Just five singles from that over as NZ reach 100 for three after 14 overs.
19:58 Williamson out for 28:
- Scorecard
New Zealand: 95-3 (13 ovs) vs India
WICKET: Williamson c Ashwin b Pathan 28 (26b, 3x4)
Pathan back into the attack as India look to break this dangerous partnership. Pathan starts from round the wicket and McCullum sweeps him past the fine leg fielder inside the circle to start the over with a boundary.
Pathan goes back to over the wicket as McCullum hits it straight to point where Tiwary once again misfields to give away a single.
Pathan provides the breakthrough with the wicket of Williamson for 28 (26 balls). The right-hander went across and tried to chip it fine on the leg side but holed out to Ashwin at square leg who ran back and completed a good catch.
Williamson and McCullum put on 90 runs from 66 deliveries for the third wicket to help NZ recover after a horror start.
Three more singles to end over as NZ reach 95 for three after 13 overs.
New Zealand: 95-3 (13 ovs) vs India
WICKET: Williamson c Ashwin b Pathan 28 (26b, 3x4)
Pathan back into the attack as India look to break this dangerous partnership. Pathan starts from round the wicket and McCullum sweeps him past the fine leg fielder inside the circle to start the over with a boundary.
Pathan goes back to over the wicket as McCullum hits it straight to point where Tiwary once again misfields to give away a single.
Pathan provides the breakthrough with the wicket of Williamson for 28 (26 balls). The right-hander went across and tried to chip it fine on the leg side but holed out to Ashwin at square leg who ran back and completed a good catch.
Williamson and McCullum put on 90 runs from 66 deliveries for the third wicket to help NZ recover after a horror start.
Three more singles to end over as NZ reach 95 for three after 13 overs.
19:52 - Scorecard
New Zealand: 87-2 (12 ovs) vs India
Part-timer Virat Kohli into the attack now to bowl his slow medium pacers. The first ball is short outside the off-stump as McCullum hits it on the off-side for one.
Williamson is beaten off the next ball as he tries to steer it to the thirdman region. He then slog sweeps the next ball over midwicket as Manoj Tiwary misfields running to his right at long-on to give away a boundary.
The next ball is slower but again short in length and Williamson pulls it to midwicket but this time gets just one. McCullum also pulls the next ball to midwicket for one while Williamson hits it wide of the long-off fielder for a couple to get nine runs from that over.
NZ's total is growing at a decent rate as they reach 87 for two after 12 overs.
New Zealand: 87-2 (12 ovs) vs India
Part-timer Virat Kohli into the attack now to bowl his slow medium pacers. The first ball is short outside the off-stump as McCullum hits it on the off-side for one.
Williamson is beaten off the next ball as he tries to steer it to the thirdman region. He then slog sweeps the next ball over midwicket as Manoj Tiwary misfields running to his right at long-on to give away a boundary.
The next ball is slower but again short in length and Williamson pulls it to midwicket but this time gets just one. McCullum also pulls the next ball to midwicket for one while Williamson hits it wide of the long-off fielder for a couple to get nine runs from that over.
NZ's total is growing at a decent rate as they reach 87 for two after 12 overs.
19:48 NZ recover after early wickets: - Scorecard
New Zealand: 78-2 (11 ovs) vs India
The McCullum-Williamson partnership has put on 67 runs in 51 balls as Balaji comes back to bowl his second over.
McCullum yet again gives the charges and lofts Balaji over the covers for a boundary to bring up his fifty in style, from just 32 balls with the help of four boundaries and two sixes.
Dhoni now comes up to the wicket as McCullum defends the next ball.
McCullum then plays an excellent shot back past the bowler to long-on to get two more runs. Three more singles to end the over as NZ reach 78 for two after 11 overs.
New Zealand: 78-2 (11 ovs) vs India
The McCullum-Williamson partnership has put on 67 runs in 51 balls as Balaji comes back to bowl his second over.
McCullum yet again gives the charges and lofts Balaji over the covers for a boundary to bring up his fifty in style, from just 32 balls with the help of four boundaries and two sixes.
Dhoni now comes up to the wicket as McCullum defends the next ball.
McCullum then plays an excellent shot back past the bowler to long-on to get two more runs. Three more singles to end the over as NZ reach 78 for two after 11 overs.
19:43 NZ reach 69 for two after 10 overs: - Scorecard
New Zealand: 69-2 (10 ovs) vs India
Harbhajan Singh comes on a substitute to replace Yuvraj, who has gone to get some treatment for his injured left hand.
McCullum sweeps the first ball for one and Williamson hits it down the ground for another single.
There is a huge appeal for LBW against McCullum off the next ball, who attempts the reverse sweep but misses and is struck right in front of the stumps. The umpire believes the batsman has got an inside edge as he gives it runs as the two batsmen steal a quick single.
McCullum then chips down the wicket and lofts Ashwin over midwicket for a six to race to 45 from 30 balls.
New Zealand have made a good recovery after those two early wickets to reach 69 for two after 10 overs.
New Zealand: 69-2 (10 ovs) vs India
Harbhajan Singh comes on a substitute to replace Yuvraj, who has gone to get some treatment for his injured left hand.
McCullum sweeps the first ball for one and Williamson hits it down the ground for another single.
There is a huge appeal for LBW against McCullum off the next ball, who attempts the reverse sweep but misses and is struck right in front of the stumps. The umpire believes the batsman has got an inside edge as he gives it runs as the two batsmen steal a quick single.
McCullum then chips down the wicket and lofts Ashwin over midwicket for a six to race to 45 from 30 balls.
New Zealand have made a good recovery after those two early wickets to reach 69 for two after 10 overs.
19:39 - Scorecard
New Zealand: 58-2 (9 ovs) vs India
Yuvraj comes on to bowl his second over. The first ball is short and Williamson pulls it to deep midwicket for one.
McCullum then charges down the wicket to Yuvraj and takes the ball on the full on to loft it back over the bowl for the first six of the match to bring up the 50-run partnership for the third wicket.
He cuts the next ball past point for one and Williamson gives the strike back to McCullum with a single to the leg side.
McCullum then smashes it hard back to the bowler Yuvraj, who sticks his hand out but fails to hold on. Yuvraj seems to have taken a blow on his left palm and receiving some treatment from the physio as the left-hander grimaces in pain. But all is well as Yuvraj resumes his bowling despite feeling the pain in his left hand.
Yuvraj then bowls a quicker delivery which is very short and McCullum plays it on the leg side for one.
New Zealand: 58-2 (9 ovs) vs India
Yuvraj comes on to bowl his second over. The first ball is short and Williamson pulls it to deep midwicket for one.
McCullum then charges down the wicket to Yuvraj and takes the ball on the full on to loft it back over the bowl for the first six of the match to bring up the 50-run partnership for the third wicket.
He cuts the next ball past point for one and Williamson gives the strike back to McCullum with a single to the leg side.
McCullum then smashes it hard back to the bowler Yuvraj, who sticks his hand out but fails to hold on. Yuvraj seems to have taken a blow on his left palm and receiving some treatment from the physio as the left-hander grimaces in pain. But all is well as Yuvraj resumes his bowling despite feeling the pain in his left hand.
Yuvraj then bowls a quicker delivery which is very short and McCullum plays it on the leg side for one.
19:35 Pathan, Zaheer strike early: - Scorecard
New Zealand: 48-2 (8 ovs) vs India
It's spin from both ends as R Ashwin is introduced into the attack. The first ball is down the leg side as it hits McCullum on the pads while the second ball is driven to long-on for one.
The third ball is on the spot as Ashwin gives it plenty of air and Williamson is content to play the forward defensive. The next ball is hit past the cover fielder to get the Kiwis a couple of runs and Williamson then drives the next ball to long-on for one.
McCullum then charges down the wicket to Ashwin and lofts him over the cover region to end the over with a boundary.
New Zealand: 48-2 (8 ovs) vs India
It's spin from both ends as R Ashwin is introduced into the attack. The first ball is down the leg side as it hits McCullum on the pads while the second ball is driven to long-on for one.
The third ball is on the spot as Ashwin gives it plenty of air and Williamson is content to play the forward defensive. The next ball is hit past the cover fielder to get the Kiwis a couple of runs and Williamson then drives the next ball to long-on for one.
McCullum then charges down the wicket to Ashwin and lofts him over the cover region to end the over with a boundary.
19:32 Pathan, Zaheer strike early: - Scorecard
New Zealand: 40-2 (7 ovs) vs India
Yuvraj Singh in the thick of action now. He is called upon to bowl his slow left-arm spin.
Williamson chips the first ball over the cover region to get a single as chants of "Yuvi, Yuvi" fill the stadium. The second ball is defended by McCullum who is then beaten outside the off-stump as Yuvraj sends down a quicker delivery.
McCullum then chips down the wicket but hits it down the ground to long-on for one. The next ball is driven to the fielder on the cover boundary by Williamson for one as Yuvraj keeps his mixing his delivery.
The last ball is hit down the ground for one as Yuvraj makes a good comeback to cricket, giving away just four runs in his first over while inspiring a lot of hope for the future.
New Zealand: 40-2 (7 ovs) vs India
Yuvraj Singh in the thick of action now. He is called upon to bowl his slow left-arm spin.
Williamson chips the first ball over the cover region to get a single as chants of "Yuvi, Yuvi" fill the stadium. The second ball is defended by McCullum who is then beaten outside the off-stump as Yuvraj sends down a quicker delivery.
McCullum then chips down the wicket but hits it down the ground to long-on for one. The next ball is driven to the fielder on the cover boundary by Williamson for one as Yuvraj keeps his mixing his delivery.
The last ball is hit down the ground for one as Yuvraj makes a good comeback to cricket, giving away just four runs in his first over while inspiring a lot of hope for the future.
19:28 Pathan, Zaheer strike early:
- Scorecard
New Zealand: 36-2 (6 ovs) vs India
Comeback man Lakshmipathy Balaji is the new bowler and he replaces Pathan, who bowled two overs in his first spell, taking one for 10.
McCullum defends the first ball on the off-side as Balaji gets the ball to angle in to the right-hander. The next two balls are also defended in the same way as Balaji gets it to come in from wide of the crease.
McCullum charges down the wicket to the next delivery but fortunately for him the inside edge goes close to the wickets for a boundary.
Balaji then bowls a slower delivery wide outside the off-stump that McCullum slaps straight to the fielder at cover. McCullum then lofts the final delivery, which is wide and full outside off-stump, over the point region for a boundary.
New Zealand: 36-2 (6 ovs) vs India
Comeback man Lakshmipathy Balaji is the new bowler and he replaces Pathan, who bowled two overs in his first spell, taking one for 10.
McCullum defends the first ball on the off-side as Balaji gets the ball to angle in to the right-hander. The next two balls are also defended in the same way as Balaji gets it to come in from wide of the crease.
McCullum charges down the wicket to the next delivery but fortunately for him the inside edge goes close to the wickets for a boundary.
Balaji then bowls a slower delivery wide outside the off-stump that McCullum slaps straight to the fielder at cover. McCullum then lofts the final delivery, which is wide and full outside off-stump, over the point region for a boundary.
19:23 Pathan, Zaheer strike early: - Scorecard
New Zealand: 28-2 (5 ovs) vs India
Dhoni decides to give Zaheer one more over, his third of the innings. McCullum breaks the shackles as he steps down and across before flicking it over the square leg region for a boundary.
McCullum then plays it softly to the cover region and takes a quick single.
Williamson edges the next ball to the thirdman region for one. McCullum flicks the next ball to deep square leg region and gets a couple of runs.
McCullum then slaps a wide delivery past the point fielder for a boundary as the Kiwis finally get going. 13 runs from that Zaheer over as NZ reach 28 for two after five overs.
New Zealand: 28-2 (5 ovs) vs India
Dhoni decides to give Zaheer one more over, his third of the innings. McCullum breaks the shackles as he steps down and across before flicking it over the square leg region for a boundary.
McCullum then plays it softly to the cover region and takes a quick single.
Williamson edges the next ball to the thirdman region for one. McCullum flicks the next ball to deep square leg region and gets a couple of runs.
McCullum then slaps a wide delivery past the point fielder for a boundary as the Kiwis finally get going. 13 runs from that Zaheer over as NZ reach 28 for two after five overs.
19:18 - Scorecard
New Zealand: 15-2 (4 ovs) vs India
Williamson gets his second boundary as he slaps a wide delivery from Pathan through the covers. Dhoni takes off the slip and places an extra fielder on the off-side to give his pacer more cover.
Williamson then hits it on the leg side towards mid-on and sprints across for a quick single.
McCullum flicks the next ball on the leg side for a single. Williamson then tries another forceful shot through the off-side but it goes straight to the fielder on the covers.
Pathan gets the last ball to come in sharply as Williamson is struck on the pads but the appeal is turned down by the umpire.
New Zealand: 15-2 (4 ovs) vs India
Williamson gets his second boundary as he slaps a wide delivery from Pathan through the covers. Dhoni takes off the slip and places an extra fielder on the off-side to give his pacer more cover.
Williamson then hits it on the leg side towards mid-on and sprints across for a quick single.
McCullum flicks the next ball on the leg side for a single. Williamson then tries another forceful shot through the off-side but it goes straight to the fielder on the covers.
Pathan gets the last ball to come in sharply as Williamson is struck on the pads but the appeal is turned down by the umpire.
19:14 Pathan, Zaheer strike early: - Scorecard
New Zealand: 9-2 (3 ovs) vs India
Brendon McCullum is the new batsman and he defends the first ball from Zaheer, while the second is called wide as Zaheer loses his radar.
McCullum then defends the next ball on the leg side as Zaheer gets it to come in a bit, while the third ball is hit to the thirdman region for one.
Zaheer then bowls a peach, getting the ball to move away enough as Williamson is beaten on the drive outside the off-stump. Good stuff from the veteran pacer!
Williamson drops the fifth ball on the off-side towards point where Yuvraj is quick to get to ball but the batsmen run a quick single. McCullum looks to give Zaheer the charge but backs out at the last moment before defending the final delivery to end that over.
New Zealand: 9-2 (3 ovs) vs India
Brendon McCullum is the new batsman and he defends the first ball from Zaheer, while the second is called wide as Zaheer loses his radar.
McCullum then defends the next ball on the leg side as Zaheer gets it to come in a bit, while the third ball is hit to the thirdman region for one.
Zaheer then bowls a peach, getting the ball to move away enough as Williamson is beaten on the drive outside the off-stump. Good stuff from the veteran pacer!
Williamson drops the fifth ball on the off-side towards point where Yuvraj is quick to get to ball but the batsmen run a quick single. McCullum looks to give Zaheer the charge but backs out at the last moment before defending the final delivery to end that over.
19:09 Pathan, Zaheer strike early:
- Scorecard
New Zealand: 6-2 (2 ovs) vs India
WICKET: Martin Guptill b Irfan Pathan 1 (5b)
It's left-arm pacers from both ends as Irfan Pathan comes on to bowl the second over. Guptill is cautious at the start as he lets the first ball from Pathan go through to the keeper while defending the second ball.
Irfan then strikes with the next ball as Guptill is bowled for one. The ball came in sharply as Guptill played all over it but missed and lost his stumps.
Kane Williamson is off the mark in style as he crashes a full wide delivery from Irfan through the covers for a boundary. The pacer then adjusts his line and length as Williamson defends the last two deliveries of that over.
New Zealand: 6-2 (2 ovs) vs India
WICKET: Martin Guptill b Irfan Pathan 1 (5b)
It's left-arm pacers from both ends as Irfan Pathan comes on to bowl the second over. Guptill is cautious at the start as he lets the first ball from Pathan go through to the keeper while defending the second ball.
Irfan then strikes with the next ball as Guptill is bowled for one. The ball came in sharply as Guptill played all over it but missed and lost his stumps.
Kane Williamson is off the mark in style as he crashes a full wide delivery from Irfan through the covers for a boundary. The pacer then adjusts his line and length as Williamson defends the last two deliveries of that over.
19:07 Nicols bowled for a duck:
- Scorecard
NZ 2-1 (1 over) vs India
WICKET: Rob Nicols b Zaheer Khan 0 (4b)
Rob Nicol up against Zaheer Khan and he gives the veteran pacer the charge first up but pushes it towards the cover. The second ball is angled across his body as Nicol plays and misses it.
Nicol once again gives Zaheer the charge but is struck on the pads and gets one leg bye as there is a stifled appeal for LBW.
Martin Guptill defends the first ball to midwicket where Yuvraj Singh fields to a loud cheer from the crowd. Guptill gets a thick outside edge off the next ball which goes to the thirdman region for a single.
Zaheer strikes with the final delivery of the over as Nicol is bowled for a duck. The right-hander once again takes a few steps down the wicket and also walks a long way across to try and hit Zaheer on the leg side but misses and is bowled.
NZ 2-1 (1 over) vs India
WICKET: Rob Nicols b Zaheer Khan 0 (4b)
Rob Nicol up against Zaheer Khan and he gives the veteran pacer the charge first up but pushes it towards the cover. The second ball is angled across his body as Nicol plays and misses it.
Nicol once again gives Zaheer the charge but is struck on the pads and gets one leg bye as there is a stifled appeal for LBW.
Martin Guptill defends the first ball to midwicket where Yuvraj Singh fields to a loud cheer from the crowd. Guptill gets a thick outside edge off the next ball which goes to the thirdman region for a single.
Zaheer strikes with the final delivery of the over as Nicol is bowled for a duck. The right-hander once again takes a few steps down the wicket and also walks a long way across to try and hit Zaheer on the leg side but misses and is bowled.
18:56 Sehwag and Harbhajan miss out:
- Scorecard
It will be special moment for Yuvraj Singh, who is making his comeback to the Indian team after being diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year. This is what he had said to say before the series. (Yuvraj Singh's exclusive interview)
With Sehwag unavailable, India may open the batting with Rohit Sharma, who has done it a few times for India in T20s, along with regular opener Gautam Gambhir.
L Balaji also plays his first game for India after more than three years and what better place than your home ground to start off your second innings in cricket!
R Ashwin was also preferred ahead of Harbhajan after his good performances with the ball in the Test series vs NZ.
It will be special moment for Yuvraj Singh, who is making his comeback to the Indian team after being diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year. This is what he had said to say before the series. (Yuvraj Singh's exclusive interview)
With Sehwag unavailable, India may open the batting with Rohit Sharma, who has done it a few times for India in T20s, along with regular opener Gautam Gambhir.
L Balaji also plays his first game for India after more than three years and what better place than your home ground to start off your second innings in cricket!
R Ashwin was also preferred ahead of Harbhajan after his good performances with the ball in the Test series vs NZ.
18:42 Unfit Sehwag misses out, Harbhajan dropped:
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni wins the toss and elects to bowl against New Zealand in the second and final Twenty20 international in Chennai, on Tuesday.
Opener Virender Sehwag is not fully fit and misses the match, while Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla and Ashok Dinda also fail to make it to the team.
"We are looking to chase," says Dhoni clearly indicating that the hosts are using the game to prepare for the Twenty20 World Cup later this month.
Teams:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Manoj Tiwary, R Ashwin, Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan, L Balaji.
New Zealand: Ross Taylor (captain), Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Ronnie Hira, Adam Milne, Kyle Mills.
Opener Virender Sehwag is not fully fit and misses the match, while Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla and Ashok Dinda also fail to make it to the team.
"We are looking to chase," says Dhoni clearly indicating that the hosts are using the game to prepare for the Twenty20 World Cup later this month.
Teams:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Manoj Tiwary, R Ashwin, Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan, L Balaji.
New Zealand: Ross Taylor (captain), Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Ronnie Hira, Adam Milne, Kyle Mills.
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