New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner admitted that his bowlers’ wayward start with the new ball, including conceding plenty of extras, proved costly as India chased down 226 to win the first T20I by four wickets at Hagley Oval on Thursday. India raced to 94/1 in the powerplay, aided by a string of wides from the New Zealand pacers. Naman Dhir’s unbeaten 42 off 15 balls sealed the chase with two balls to spare, as New Zealand conceded 17 extras in total Although the hosts fought back during the middle overs.
“They put us under pressure. We knew they were going to do that, and it was another big powerplay from them. We weren’t probably at our best. We can sharpen up a few things, but I think we know what the ball does, so you can slow them down.
So I think both teams could probably look at a few things here and there; I think it could have gone either way,” said Santner in the post-match presentation ceremony. Santner, who landed awkwardly on his head while attempting a catch in the 13th over and briefly left the field, said he was fine. “I think in the middle we did well to kind of squeeze them and then again it was a tight game. “I think the way the guys went about it at the top was good. Obviously there was probably a little bit in it at the start, and they adapted and adjusted. Then, obviously, the way GP kind of consolidated in the middle there, he was outstanding. And Bev, some clean striking as well. So we were reasonably happy with the score at half-time.”
