Wrapped up
A most consoling of consolation wins. NZ defeat India by 8 wickets with 118 balls remaining. Not just a win, but a thumping. A dramatic turn around. It is in keeping with this series that the game should firstly be rain affected and secondly be so one-way.
The first three completed matches were determined by India’s strength, a powerhouse batting line up that can put any game beyond reach. Whereas tonight’s match showcased New Zealand’s strengths, difficult bowlers who can keep the score down and competent batsmen who can chase down almost any total.
It was a frustrating series, with all the rain, but an exhilerating series, with over 2000 runs scored at about 6.5 an over. There were some amazing performances. Sehwag was a sensation of course, in his most devastating series performance to date. 299 runs, 74.75 average, 150.25 strike rate. Tendulkar was masterful too, with the highest score of the series of 163. Ryder also with his 224 runs at 56.25 by 106.63 deserves to be lauded.
The Raconteurs:
March 15th, 2009 at 2:05 am
As a long term cynical follower of Indian cricket, my fears were realised. Thankfully, in a dead rubber. Now the teams will start pretty level in the test series. Unless India can fill up the gaps in bowling, mainly a good third seamer, and pick up it’s fielding (remember that the better fielders like Raina, Yusuf Pathan et.al. will be replaced by Dravid and Lakshman) it will be tough to win.
March 15th, 2009 at 2:51 am
Tests will be a ‘different ball’ game. Though India have the batting to post huge scores, I am not really sure whether either of the teams have the bowling to get 20 wickets!! hopefully will be good entertainment!
March 15th, 2009 at 7:02 am
like the ranconteurs
March 15th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
like the ranconteurs
The Copper Kid is a genius.
March 15th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Tests will be a ‘different ball’ game.
Yes – red.
It certainly will be different. Before the tour began, I really fancied our chances to compete in the ODI series. I have considerably less confidence in the Black Caps competitiveness in the tests. It will be an upset if any of the tests don’t go India’s way. Which is going to be the key drama of the series. Who is going to step up and surprise us?
March 15th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
As a long term cynical follower of Indian cricket, my fears were realised.
Phew, you Indian fans are hard to satisfy. 3 out of 4 wasn’t enough? When New Zealand nails someone like India nailed us in Hamilton, it takes months of losses for me to come back down to earth.
Again you are being generous in suggesting that the two teams are even going into the tests. I thought there wasn’t much separating us in the ODIs, which turned out to be barely competitive. But in the tests, the difference in the teams and their current form are stark.
NZ will go into the tests less disheartened after the win in the 5th ODI, but it doesn’t do much to balance up the teams.
March 15th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
well played nz!
but i would have loved to see them coming with this pitch in ‘live’ match…
March 15th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
but i would have loved to see them coming with this pitch in ‘live’ match…
Wouldn’t we all Points. Don’t forget though that we did manage it in the 20-20s.