Watch: Finn Allen-Daryl Mitchell’s superb catch dismisses Axar Patel in NZ vs IND 2nd T20I

The New Zealand side haven’t shown their dominance in the field with several dropped catches in the five-match T20I series so far. However, the combined catch of Finn Allen and Daryle Mitchell, on the boundary line, sent back the Indian all-rounder, Axar Patel, during the second T20I of the series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.  

Unlike the previous T20I, when India completed their most successful chase of the format against the Blackcaps, the Indian side struggled with the bat. Sanju Samson, who thumped a superb fifty in the previous game, started off with a maiden against Matt Henry.

Allen and Mitchell combine to send Axar Patel back

With the pressure mounting over the Indian batters towards the halfway mark of the chase, Axar Patel decided to free his arms. The left-handed batter picked up the good length delivery from Michael Bracwell and whacked it across the line over the mid-wicket region for a massive six.

Watch Allen and Mitchell's combined catch here- 

He attempted the same shot against Mitchell Santner in the very next over. But the result didn’t go in his way. It was another lofted shot down the ground after stepping out as it seemed to be clearing the ropes. But Finn Allen intervened. He ran across from long-on to take the catch before flicking it back to the fielder.

See Also: Watch: Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismisses Daryl Mitchell for first wicket on return – NZ vs IND 2nd T20I

Daryl Mitchell did the rest and completed the catch from inside the field. Everything seemed to be going in the Kiwis’ favour towards the end of the defence. Santner, meanwhile, finished with figures of 4/21 in his four overs.

India’s struggle in the chase: Wickets fall early vs 181 target at Hagley Oval

The Blackcaps, despite losing three wickets inside the powerplay, ended up with 180/5 in their allotted 20 overs of the innings. Glenn Philips smashed a fine knock of 70 runs off 43 balls at a strike rate 162.79, thanks to four boundaries and as many sixes. Bevon Jacobs clubbed 58 runs off 46 balls at a strike rate of 126.09, thanks to five boundaries and one six.

India didn’t make a suitable start in the chase either as they were reduced to 70/5 in the 11^th over of the chase. Naman Dhir played a fine knock of 31 runs off 17 balls. Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy's 69-run finish completed the chase by four wicket with a ball to spare. 

See Also: Watch: India hold nerve in tense last-over finish for 4-wicket win vs New Zealand in 2nd T20I