Five-wicket victory over New Zealand marks start of new Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma era

In the opening T20 International, India triumphed by five wickets over New Zealand behind sterling knocks from skipper Rohit Sharma and opener Suryakumar Yadav. On a good batting surface, New Zealand reached 164 for six thanks to Martin Guptill (70 from 42 balls) and Mark Chapman (63 from 50 balls). Suryakumar Yadav (62 off 40), who replaced Virat Kohli at number three after he was rested, set up India’s chase with a score of 48 off 36, which marked Rohit Sharma’s full-time captaincy debut.

With New Zealand running out of bowling options, part-time pacer Daryl Mitchell bowled the 20th over in which the game was decided. New Zealand had been cantering towards a comfortable win but gaffed up in the final four overs. In his debut international cricket match, Venkatesh Iyer hit the winning runs after hitting his first ball for four.

The Hong-Kong born player formed his first fifty for New Zealand with a four and a six off Axar Patel in a 15-run over. On the other end, Guptill also looked troubled as he deposited a slower shot from Siraj over long-off.

The opener appeared to be in good form, and 200 was at stake, but he was caught in the deep in the 18th over. Despite conceding 41 runs, India managed to take three wickets in the last five overs!