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Ranchi: After taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series, hosts India will take on New Zealand in the fourth game at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Wednesday. After the six-run setback in the second ODI in Delhi, India got back to winning ways on Sunday, thumping the Kiwis by seven wickets at Mohali. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (80) and his Test counterpart Virat Kohli (154 not out) joined forces with a brilliant 151-run third wicket stand to outplay the visitors after they had scored 285 in the first innings. Going into the fourth game, all eyes will be on India’s struggling opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane, who have failed to fire in the first three outings. Rohit has managed just 42 runs in the three matches with a dismal average of 14, while Rahane has got starts with scores of 33, 28 and 5, but failed to translate his Test form in the 50-over format of the game. [caption id=“attachment_3073086” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]
Kane Williamson and MS Dhoni, captain of New Zealand and India respectively. AFP[/caption] With the track at the JKSA assisting batsmen, the Ranchi crowd will hope for another batting exhibition from the likes of Rohit, Kohli, Rahane, Manish Pandey and local favourite Dhoni. Dhoni came out to bat at No 4 in Mohali, and is again expected to do so, with Pandey, Kedar Jadhav and Baroda all-rounder Hardik Pandya to follow. The bowling department has been very impressive in the series thus far, with seamers Umesh Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah assisted by the all-round skills of Pandya. Leg-spinner Amit Mishra and left-armer Axar Patel have also been among the wickets, but it’s Maharashtra’s Jadhav who has proved to be Dhoni’s go-to man in the series so far. With six wickets in his kitty so far, the diminutive part-time off-spinner has emerged as an effective surprise weapon for Dhoni to put the brakes on during the middle overs. With the selectors retaining the same side for the remaining two games, Dhoni isn’t expected to tinker with the winning combination. On the other hand, Wednesday’s encounter will give New Zealand a golden opportunity to draw level and go into the final match with a chance. Barring opener Tom Latham, the Kiwis have failed to ensure a consistent batting effort in the three matches so far. Skipper Kane Williamson, who hit a century in the Delhi ODI, will once again be the focal point of the Kiwi batting, apart from the likes of Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi and James Neesham. After a dismal Test series, Guptill, who is considered one of the most dangerous openers in ODI cricket, has failed to click on all three occasions. To add to their woes, the Black Caps lack variety in their bowling. Pacers Tim Southee, Trent Boult Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry have been far from impressive in the sub-continental conditions. Despite having three spinners in Mitchell Santner, Anton Devcich and Ish Sodhi at his disposal, Williamson’s poor luck at the toss has kept him from using their services to the fullest, while dew has also played a part in all the three matches so far. Squads: India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain/wicketkeeper), Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Mandeep Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Hardik Pandya, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jayant Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Luke Ronchi (wicketkeeper), Corey Anderson, Tim Southee, Martin Guptill, BJ Watling (wicketkeeper), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Anton Devcich, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell With inputs from IANS
India vs New Zealand, Highlights, Ranchi ODI: Black Caps win by 19 runs
fter taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series, hosts India will take on New Zealand in the fourth game at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Wednesday
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Mitchell Santner: Good to get a win. We watched how Axar bowled in the first innings. There was a bit of dew in the end, but something for the spinners as well. Its always tough bowling to Virat and Dhoni, but always try to keep it simple to them. I was good today, not always like that. Not trying to do too much, and trying to build up pressure that way.
After 48.4 overs,India 241 ( Dhawal Kulkarni 25)
Kulkarni sets off for a single after guiding the first ball down third man. Umesh hammer the next one down mid-off. Another single off the third, with the task getting bigger for the last-wicket pair now. OUT! That’s it! Umesh slices the fourth ball towards the off-side, and gets caught at extra-cover for New Zealand to complete a 19-run win over the hosts! The series is still alive at 2-2!
Umesh Yadav c Ross Taylor b Trent Boult 7(12)
After 48 overs,India 238/9 ( Dhawal Kulkarni 23, Umesh Yadav 6)
Umesh takes a single off the first ball, handing the strike back to Kulkarni. Dot off the 2nd. Tensions beginning to rise here. Dhawal takes a single in the fourth delivery, after a couple of failed attempts, handing the strike back to a vulnerable Umesh. Another single off the fifth. Kulkarni retians the strike at the end of the over.
India need 23 to win from 12 balls with 1 wicket in hand.
After 47 overs,India 234/9 ( Dhawal Kulkarni 21, Umesh Yadav 4)
Boult back, hopefully to end it once and for all! Late cut by Umesh in the first ball, sending the ball towards third-man for a single. FOUR! Kulkarni producing something special here! Cuts it towards point, just wide of the diving fielder there! Some hope intact for the hosts, with Kulkarni’s presence
India need 27 to win from 18 balls with 1 wicket in hand.
After 46 overs,India 226/9 ( Dhawal Kulkarni 16, Umesh Yadav 2)
Santner back into the attack now. FOUR! Cut away towards backward point by Kulkarni, who is exhibiting his batting skills at the moment. Can the last batsmen out take it all the way to the final over?
India need 35 to win from 24 balls with 1 wicket in hand.
After 45 overs,India 219/9 ( Dhawal Kulkarni 11, Umesh Yadav 1)
SIX! Well where did that one come from? Kulkarni, who is known to be a good striker of the ball, goes for an inside-out loft towards extra-cover.
India need 42 to win from 30 balls with 1 wicket in hand.
After 44 overs,India 210/9 ( Dhawal Kulkarni 2, Umesh Yadav 1)
With the game virtually over for the hosts, Umesh and Dhawal will hope to carry on a little further. Three runs off the 44th, with the keeper appealing for a stumping chance in the final ball.
India need 51 to win from 36 balls with 1 wicket in hand.
After 43 overs,India 207/9 ( Dhawal Kulkarni 0, Umesh Yadav 0)
OUT! Not brilliant bowling, but it is a terrible mix-up between Mishra and Axar Patel that results in the fall of the eighth Indian wicket with 205 on board. Powerfully pulled towards square-leg, where Santner throws the ball back to the keeper. Mishra calls for a second run, and is more than half-way down the track when Axar sends him back. Departs for 14, with India needing more than 50 runs with just two wickets in hand.
BOWLED ‘EM! And that’s a thunderboult for the Indians, with Axar getting dismissed for 38, with New Zealand just one wicket away from a win here! If the previous over had built some hopes for the hosts, then this one will have wiped nearly all of it out.
India need 54 to win from 42 balls with 1 wicket in hand.
After 42 overs,India 204/7 ( Axar Patel 37 , Amit Mishra 14)
Couple of singles to start things off, with Neesham returning to the attack. Williamson has marshalled his resources quite well so far, which has largely brought about the results. SIX! Pitched outside off on full length, Axar hammers this over the umpire’s head! Brings up the 200 for India, as the volume levels suddenly gain strength at the JSCA!
India need 57 to win from 48 balls with 3 wickets in hand.
After 41 overs,India 195/7 ( Axar Patel 29 , Amit Mishra 13)
Sodhi back. Axar and Mishra are connecting quite well at the moment, and are keeping the scoreboard ticking. Something that the hosts need at the moment, with the constant singles also taking the pressure off them.
India need 66 to win from 9 overs with 3 wickets in hand.
After 40 overs,India 189/7 ( Axar Patel 28 , Amit Mishra 8)
Southee back into the attack now. Axar punches the third ball of the over towards sweeper-cover, where a misfield by Santner results in a boundary. FOUR! Mishra into the act as well, flicking the fifth ball wide of mid-on like a seasoned, top-order batsman! Good over for the hosts, with 10 coming off it.
India need 72 to win from 10 overs with 3 wickets in hand.
After 39 overs,India 179/7 ( Axar Patel 23 , Amit Mishra 3)
As the required rate keeps climbing at an alarming rate for the hosts, Axar can only squeeze in a single or two every now and then. Three runs off Boult’s seventh over.
India need 82 to win from 11 overs with 3 wickets in hand.
After 38 overs,India 176/7 ( Axar Patel 21 , Amit Mishra 3)
Santner and Watling appeal for a caught behind off an inside-edge/deflection off boot against Axar. Umpire Oxenford goes upstairs with the soft signal of ‘out’. It takes just one replay for the third umpire to turn it down.
India need 85 to win from 12 overs with 3 wickets in hand.
After 37 overs,India 171/7 ( Axar Patel 17 , Amit Mishra 2)
Amit Mishra is the new batsman at the crease, with the situation looking grim for the hosts. Boult bowls his sixth, and gives away just four in the over. The required rate is slowly increasing for Axar and Mishra.
India need 90 to win from 13 overs with 3 wickets in hand.
After 36 overs,India 167/7 ( Axar Patel 15 , Amit Mishra 0)
OUT! Pandya tries to accelerate the innings, coming down the track for a loft over extra-cover, but Latham ends up taking a fine running catch near the boundary rope! The all-rounder departs for 9, as India lose their seventh wicket with 167 on board.
India need 94 to win from 14 overs with 3 wickets in hand.
After 35 overs,India 161/6 ( Axar Patel 14 , Hardik Pandya 4)
Boult back into the attack now, barely giving anything away right now. Meanwhile, a few local supporters were seen exiting the stands. Can Axar and Pandya bring them back?
India need 100 to win from 15 overs with 4 wickets in hand.
After 34 overs,India 159/6 ( Axar Patel 13 , Hardik Pandya 3)
Williamson reintroduces spin, getting Santner back into the attack. Appeal for run-out after Santner gets a bit of hand onto the ball before it crashes onto the non-striker’s stumps, though Axar’s bat in grounded inside the crease in time. Just two off the over, with Axar and Pandya facing the task of a lifetime right now. And its time for a drink now.
India need 102 to win from 16 overs with 4 wickets in hand.
After 33 overs,India 157/6 ( Axar Patel 12 , Hardik Pandya 2)
OUT! Terrific catch by Latham at mid-on to dismiss a dangerous-looking Pandey for 12, wiht Southee getting his second wicket in the process. And the momentum is firmly in New Zealand’s favour right now!
OUT! Southee gets two-in-two now, trapping Jadhav lbw with a delivery that stays low, and raps Jadhav in front of middle and leg. With the momentum firmly in their hands right now, the Kiwis look all set to level the series tonight. What an over this turned out to be, possibly a game-changing one!
India need 104 to win from 17 overs with 4 wickets in hand.
After 32 overs,India 154/4 ( Axar Patel 11 , Manish Pandey 12)
Pandey begins to up the ante for the hosts, getting two boundaries off Neesham — a pull towards midwicket before patting the ball down the ground a couple of deliveries later. 11 off the over.
India need 107 to win from 18 overs with 6 wickets in hand.
After 32 overs,India 154/4 ( Axar Patel 11 , Manish Pandey 12)
Pandey begins to up the ante for the hosts, getting two boundaries off Neesham — a pull towards midwicket before patting the ball down the ground a couple of deliveries later. 11 off the over.
India need 107 to win from 18 overs with 6 wickets in hand.
After 31 overs,India 143/4 ( Axar Patel 9 , Manish Pandey 3)
Southee back into the attack now, with Williamson looking to increase the pressure on the hosts. Just three singles off it.
India need 118 to win from 19 overs with 6 wickets in hand.
After 30 overs,India 140/4 ( Axar Patel 8 , Manish Pandey 1)
OUT! Dhoni is clean bowled by Jimmy Neesham! And a stunned silence follows the dismissal at the JSCA Stadium! Neesham fires in a quicker one that angles into the batsman, and breaks through Dhoni’s defence, uprooting his leg-stump! Huge blow for the hosts, and now the pressure falls back on the lower middle-order. Axar guides the last ball of the 30th over down the leg side for a four. Pandey joins him at the crease now.
India need 121 to win from 20 overs with 6 wickets in hand.
After 29 overs,India 135/3 ( MS Dhoni (C) (W) 11 , Axar Patel 4)
Another big shout for an lbw against Dhoni by Santner and the keeper. Are they trying to exert pressure on the hosts with this useful tactic? Three runs off the 29th, with Dhoni in charge of arresting a possible slide at the moment.
India need 126 to win from 21 overs with 7 wickets in hand.
After 28 overs,India 132/3 ( MS Dhoni (C) (W) 8 , Axar Patel 4)
Neesham back into the attack, and strikes almost immediately, trapping Rahane lbw for 55! Rahane shuffled to his right, looking to play it down the leg side, and got rapped right in front of middle. Easy decision for the umpire, as India lose their third wicket with 128 on board. The change of bowling has worked for the Black Caps, bringing Axar Patel to the crease now alongside Dhoni. Axar gets off the mark with a straight drive, beating mid-on.
India need 129 to win from 22 overs with 7 wickets in hand.
After 27 overs,India 126/2 ( Ajinkya Rahane 55 , MS Dhoni (C) (W) 8)
Just one run off the over. Rahane will be looking to play more freely now, once he has crossed the 50-run mark.
India need 135 to win from 23 overs with 8 wickets in hand.
After 26 overs,India 125/2 ( Ajinkya Rahane 54 , MS Dhoni (C) (W) 8)
Quieter over for the Indians, with just three singles coming off it. Sodhi’s spell has been one that has kept the hosts on their toes so far.
India need 136 to win from 24 overs with 8 wickets in hand.
After 25 overs,India 122/2 ( Ajinkya Rahane 52 , MS Dhoni (C) (W) 7)
FOUR! Rahane gets to his 16th ODI fifty in style, even if in a slightly risky manner. Reaches out for a delivery that is pitchded wide outside off, and gets a top-edge that is wide of gully, with the ball running away towards the backward point. After Guptill, Rahane will be relieved to break a string of low scores with a fifty.
India need 139 to win from 25 overs with 8 wickets in hand.
After 24 overs,India 115/2 ( Ajinkya Rahane 46 , MS Dhoni (C) (W) 6)
Dhoni gets a leading edge in the first ball of the over, though the ball travels away towards backward point. Pulls hard in the penultimate ball off a half-tracker, though he gets only a single off it.
India need 146 to win from 26 overs with 8 wickets in hand.
After 23 overs,India 109/2 ( Ajinkya Rahane 44 , MS Dhoni (C) (W) 2)
Wayward bowling by Devcich, conceding seven off the over including three wides. Looks like the bowler’s starting to feel the pressure now. Meanwhile, Rahane’s batting on 44 at the other end, which is his highest score in the ODI series so far.
India need 152 to win from 27 overs with 8 wickets in hand.
After 22 overs,India 102/2 ( Ajinkya Rahane 41 , MS Dhoni (C) (W) 1)
Big appeal for caught behind against Dhoni by Sodhi and Watling, though the umpire is not interested. Momentary hush at the venue. Replays however, don’t suggest any edge whatsover. Maiden over by Sodhi, who is bowling some brilliant leg-spin at the moment.
India need 159 to win from 28 overs with 8 wickets in hand.