In a star-studded final Sushant Singh Rajpur, Kriti Sanon and Rohit Sharma’s wife Ritika Sharma in attendance

Mumbai Indians defeated Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in a low-scoring final to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title here on Sunday.

In a match that went right down to the last ball, Mumbai registered a one-run victory in front of packed stands at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium.

This is Mumbai’s third IPL title.

Maybe it’s time to join social media: Aishwarya

Sylvester Stallone wishes Tiger Shroff good luck for ‘Rambo’ remake

Chasing a target of 130 runs, Pune could only manage to post 128/6 in their 20 overs.

Australian fast bowler Mitchel Johnson was the most successful for Mumbai with figures of 3/26, while young pacer Jasprit Bumrah also played a crucial role, returning figures of 26/2 in four excellent overs.

Veteran Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga also bowled well and was unlucky not to manage a wicket. He conceeded just 21 runs in his four overs.

Pune skipper Steven Smith led from the front scoring a fighting half-century in a losing cause. He notched up 51 runs off 50 deliveries with two boundaries and an equal number of sixes before falling in the last over.

Pune started off on a shaky note when Bumrah trapped Rahul Tripathi leg before. Ajinkya Rahane and Smith tried to rebuild the innings with a 54-run partnership before Kieron Pollard pulled off a superb catch at long on to send the captain back to the pavilion.

With the Mumbai bowlers maintaining a tight line, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Smith found the going tough and could only add 27 runs between them in as many balls.

Dhoni scored 10 runs in 13 balls before falling to a poor shot in the 17th over, slashing a Bumrah delivery which was slightly outside off-stump but only managed an easy top edge to wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel. His departure seemed to put the pressure on the Pune batsmen.

Malinga conceded just five runs in the 18th over and Bumrah bowled another miserly over in the 19th to put pressure. With 11 runs needed off the final over, Manoj Tiwary started with a boundary to square leg off Johnson but an attempted smash into the stands off the very next ball saw him caught at long on by Pollard.

Smith fell on third ball, caught by Ambati Rayudu at the cover boundary. Two runs came off the next ball but with four needed off the last ball, Daniel Christian was run out sending the Mumbai players into wild celebrations.

Earlier, braces by bowlers Jaydev Unadkat, Adam Zampa and Christian enabled Pune to restrict Mumbai to 129 for eight.

Mumbai’s top and middle order batsmen put up a horrific show against the disciplined bowling from Pune and the former were left reeling at 79/7 in the 15th over. All-rounder Krunal Pandya’s 47 off 38 deliveries pulled Mumbai out of the hole.

Opting to bat, Mumbai had a disastrous start as left-arm medium pacer Unadkat (2/19) removed Parthiv Patel (4) and Lendl Simmons (3) in the third over, reducing them to 8/2.

Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma (24) and Rayudu (12) then weathered the storm briefly but the Pune bowlers continued to keep it tight. Young off-spinner Washington Sundar continued to be impressive, giving away only 13 runs in his four overs.

The partnership lasted for 33 runs as Rayudu was caught short of the crease while taking a single in the eighth over.

Mumbai’s batting ran into further trouble when Rohit and Pollard (7) fell to Australian leg-spinner Zampa (2/32) in the 11th over to be left at 65/5. Rohit pulled a half-pitched ball to Thakur at deep mid-wicket, while Pollard offered an easy catch to pouch for Tiwary at long-on.

After Zampa, Christian (2/34) removed all-rounder Hardik Pandya (10) in the 14th over, while in the next, Karn Sharma, a handy low-order batsman, was run out at 1, to leave Mumbai at 79/7.

Later, Krunal and Mitchell Johnson (13 not out) shared a strong 50-run partnership to take Mumbai to 129/8.

Brilliant centuries by Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped India to edge out England by 15 runs in a thriller in the 2nd ODI. India posted a massive total of 381/6. England fell short by only 15 runs. Ashwin picked up 3/65 in his 10 overs. India sealed the series by taking a 2-0 lead. 

KL Rahul the new poster boy of Indian cricket after Virat

Funny Classroom Videos; Student Reactions to Punishment | Glint TV

Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar led the world of cricket in paying tributes to Mahendra Singh Dhoni after “Captain Cool” quit as the One-day International (ODI) and T20 skipper.

The Ranchi stumper stepped down on Wednesday but made himself available for selection for the three ODIs and T20s against England starting on January 15. Dhoni had already retired from Test cricket in December 2014.

Not only Tendulkar and Gavaskar, themselves cricket legends, and Dhoni’s colleagues and team-mates, but former England and Australian skippers Michael Vaughan and Michael Clarke lauded him as India’s most successful captain.

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar recounted the moments when Dhoni captained the country to T20 and ODI World Cup triumphs.

“Congratulations to MSD on a wonderful career as a captain leading India to success in both T20 and ODI World Cups. Have seen him emerge from an aggressive player to a steady and decisive captain. It’s a day to celebrate his successful captaincy and respect his decision. Wish MSD the very best,” Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.

Gavaskar told NDTV that if Dhoni had called it a day, he would have protested outside his house, and added that the World Cup-winning captain is still a destroyer with the bat.

“If he had quit as a player, then I would have been the first one outside his house, having a dharna, asking him to make a comeback. As a player, he is still a destroyer. He changes fortunes of the game in a single over. India needs him as a player very badly. I am happy that he has decided to stay on as a player,” Gavaskar said.

“Virat would definitely use him at number four or five because having him further down the order doesn’t make any sense. Yes, he is a finisher but he can play a big innings at four or five and still end up as a finisher,” Gavaskar said.

“The wicketkeeping will be a lot easier because he will not be thinking about the bowling changes and field placements, which can sometimes distract you,” Gavaskar added.

Dhoni’s contemporaries Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma and other players also heaped praise on him.

“Thank you @msdhoni bhai for being a leader that I have learnt a lot from. Thank you my first international captain!” Rahane wrote on Twitter.

Raina said: “India’s most successful captain who translated his vision into reality. Inspired many to dream more, do more and become more. Salute!”

Rohit Sharma wrote: “A true leader, he influenced so many cricketing careers, including mine when he asked me to open in the ICC Champions Trophy.”

Pacer Irfan Pathan lauded the Ranchi batsman: “Any amount of words will be less to describe his legacy as the captain of Indian team.”

Mohammed Kaif said India was blessed to have a leader like Dhoni.

“Take a bow @msdhoni. To lead India for 9 years with such wonderful results, India were really blessed to have you as #Captain,” Kaif tweeted.

Former India cricketer Madan Lal termed Dhoni’s decision as brave.

“I appreciate the decision. Dhoni has done very well as a captain as he has won most of the tournaments like ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Asia Cup. He has also helped India reach the number one spot in Test cricket. His record as captain is wonderful.”

Noted commentator and former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar stated: “I will remember Dhoni as a captain who got calmness of nerves and champion like performance on the big nights to Indian cricket.”

Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha said: “As a captain, the achievements you have are outstanding and exemplary. You have set such high standards for the generations to follow.”

Former India opener Aakash Chopra said: “You’d rarely see Dhoni’s picture hugging or carrying the trophy around…allowed others to take centre-stage — a priceless quality.”

Indian hockey skipper P.R. Sreejesh said: “Salute to the captain cool… time to achieve lots in a different role.”

“Even one of the greatest captains of all time decides enough is enough… Well done @msdhoni on an incredible leadership term,” wrote former England skipper Michael Vaughan.

Australia’s former captain Michael Clarke added Dhoni will go down as one of India’s most successful captains.

“I think @msdhoni will go down as one of India’s most successful captains. He is a great man and still has a lot to offer Indian cricket,” Clarke wrote.

PBL: Awadhe Warriors beat Delhi Acers

Rangoon | A passionate love story amidst the 2nd World War

Happy New Year | Breaking Old Fear | Funny Videos | Glint Tv

IANS

Talismanic Mahendra Singh Dhoni stumped every cricket fan when he informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he is stepping down as the skipper of India’s One-Day International (ODI) and T20 International sides, ending a trophy-filled era.

The 35-year-old had already retired from Test cricket in December 2014 but continued to lead the national team in the shorter formats of the game.

Dhoni, who had led India to the International Cricket Council (ICC) World T20 title in 2007, to the World Cup victory in 2011 and lifted the Champions Trophy in 2013 also took India to the zenith of the Test rankings during his tenure. He is the only captain in world cricket to win each of the ICC trophies.

The Ranchi wicketkeeper-batsman will, however, be available for selection for the three ODIs and T20Is against England, starting January 15, the BCCI informed.

“Mahendra Singh Dhoni has informed the BCCI, that he wishes to step down as the captain of the Indian Cricket Team from the One Day Internationals and the T20 Internationals formats of the game,” a statement from the board read.

“He will be available for the selection for the One Day and T20I series against England and the same has been conveyed to the Senior Selection Committee.”

The BCCI’s senior selection committee will meet on Friday to select the team for the limited overs series against England.

Commenting on the development, BCCI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rahul Johri said: “On behalf of every Indian cricket fan and the BCCI, I would like to thank M.S. Dhoni for his outstanding contribution as the captain of the Indian team across all formats.”

“Under his leadership, Indian team has touched new heights and his achievements will remain etched forever in the annals of Indian cricket,” he added.

Dhoni, who had captained India to 110 wins from 199 ODIs and 41 wins from 72 T20Is, made his international debut in 2004.

He immediately stamped his authority at the international stage when he smashed 148 in only his fifth match, against a Pakistan attack that didn’t know what had hit them.

He quickly rose up the ranks in Indian cricket to take the reins of the national T20I side in 2007, before becoming the ODI captain after Rahul Dravid relinquished the post.

He eventually ascended to full-time Test captaincy once the then Indian captain and current India coach Anil Kumble retired.

Dhoni’s biggest triumph was winning the World Cup in 2011, which India won after 28 years owing to his exemplary batting display in the final and calm and methodical leadership, despite the added pressure of playing at home.

He also led the side to the final of the 2014 World T20 in Bangladesh, in which India lost to Sri Lanka. Dhoni successfully led India to the 2015 World Cup semi-final, where they lost to hosts and eventual champions Australia, effectively ending India’s 11-match winning streak in the World Cups.

During the course of the tournament, he also became the first Indian captain and third overall to win 100 ODI matches.

In 2016, Dhoni led India to the Asia Cup T20 title by beating hosts Bangladesh in the final and also guided the side to the semi-finals of the World T20, where hosts India lost to the eventual champions — the West Indies.

He also holds the record for most matches as captain of an international side, with 331 games across formats.

His last series as captain came against New Zealand at home, where he led the Indian side to a 3-2 series win.

Dhoni also led the now-defunct Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, one of the most successful teams in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL), to win back-to-back titles in the years 2010 and 2011 and also the Champions League T20 in the years 2010 and 2014.

Although the next captain was not announced, Virat Kohli, currently captaining the Test team, is the likely front-runner to replace Dhoni.

Meanwhile, former BCCI president Anurag Thakur hailed Dhoni as “one of the finest leaders”. “Hey @msdhoni yuv been one of the finest leaders of Indian Cricket @BCCI, led the team to great heights & inspired so many across countries!,” Thakur wrote on Twitter.

Thakur was joined by noted cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle and 2012 Olympic bronze medal-winning shooter Gagan Narang in highlighting Dhoni’s achievements as India captain.

Bhogle said: “World T20, World Cup, Champions Trophy, Test No 1, IPL titles, Champions League titles. Everything in the game. #Dhoni.”

Bhogle also commented that this was a selfless move. “Clearly Dhoni thinks the moment has come. Thought he would quit after the Champions Trophy, but this is a selfless move.

“Trying to think like #Dhoni. Kohli most likely 2019 World Cup captain, so best that he leads in the Champions Trophy so best he starts now.”

–IANS

Read Also:

Anurag Thakur removed as BCCI President, Ajay Shirke as secretary

India’s World Cup winning coach Gary Kirsten threw his weight behind current limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, saying removing the stumper from the helm could invite trouble for the team in the shorter formats of the game.

“You are not going to get an answer out of me. You replace M.S. Dhoni at your peril, because the one experience I have had is that all great leaders have great performances till the end of their careers,” Kirsten said at a promotional event here on Tuesday.

Kirsten said that if one is willing to let Dhoni go, one never knows if India misses out on some potential match-winning performances in 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup in England.

“So, if you (are) willing to let M.S. Dhoni go when there might potentially be a great World Cup performance left in him if he goes to the (2019) World Cup, which I am not sure if he is (taking part in) or not, you take the risk of doing that,” the former South Africa opener said.

Kohli, Dhoni praise each other after scripting win

MS Dhoni reveals unknown secrets of his life

Terming Dhoni as a “great player”, Kirsten poured cold water on his critics, saying those doubting his ability are making a mistake.

“I think that is the question I get asked the most everytime I come to India. My answer hasn’t changed in three years. That he (Dhoni) is definitely the best leader I have ever worked with. And his record for Indian cricket over the last nine-ten years speaks for itself,” said the South African when asked about the debate surrounding Dhoni’s future.

“There is no debating in my opinion that he is up there with India’s greatest captains and certainly has produced the trophies for India in his time,” added Kirsten who was India’s coach when Dhoni and company lifted the World Cup in 2011.

According to Kirsten, Dhoni’s record in limited overs cricket spoke for itself.

“You just have to look at his ODI batting record as well, As a finisher, it’s unsurpassed in the world in terms of the position he bats in. So, if anyone is doubting his ability, I think they would be making a great mistake.

“He is a great player and all great players would continue to produce fantastic performances through their career. It’s exciting to see him doing well and having success with the Indian team. I enjoyed working with him and it was a great experience for me,” he added.

Kirsten feels it should be left to the Ranchi star to decide on his future.

“There comes a time in every player when he is got to consider for himself whether he should be in the team or it’s time to move. We will leave the decision up to him,” he said.

To a query whether Dhoni should consistently bat higher up the order as he did in the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand when he batted at No.4, Kirsten said he was capable of batting in a lot many positions.

“That discussion is going on for eight years. He does (have) an ODI batting average of over 50. He can bat in lot of different positions.

“When I was with the Indian team, I encouraged rotational batting order, where we batted according to the situation rather than this is your batting position today. M S was brilliant at that, he didn’t mind where he batted.”

“I always liked him to come in when we needed 100 runs to win because there was no one better (than him) in the world (who) could have won a game from that position, speaking from my experience. But he often liked to get up little bit earlier, so that he can have more time at the wicket and help himself to a hundred. M.S. Dhoni could pretty much bat anywhere in the batting order,” Kirsten explained further.

Kirsten also hailed the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to use the Decision Review System (DRS) in the upcoming Test series against England after having consistently opposing it in the past.

“If they (BCCI) are going to try it, its brilliant. It is a great technology, and it’s got better and better. It will be great for every Test playing country to use the technology”.

IANS

Amit Mishra’s five-for and half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma helped India thrash New Zealand by 190 runs in the final ODI. Chasing 270 runs, New Zealand collapsed for a mere 79 with Mishra returning figures of 5-18. India thus won the five-match series 3-2.

Earlier, half-centuries by Kohli and Rohit helped India post 269/6. Both Kohli and Rohit were off to slow starts before going for the big shots once they got their eye in.

Kohli scored 65 runs off 76 deliveries with two boundaries and a six while Rohit smashed five boundaries and three hits into the stands on his way to a 65-ball 70.

India vs New Zealand | Virat Kohli smashes 154 to give India victory

‘Who is Virat Kohli’s girlfriend’? Exam question stumps students

With the One-Day International (ODI) cricket series between India and New Zealand squared at 2-2, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be looking for a resounding victory to clinch the series in the fifth and final game on Saturday.

Going into the crucial summit clash at ACA-VDCA cricket stadium, the home side holds the advantage against the Kiwis as it has a much more experienced pool of cricketers.

At the start of the series, India were to play a total of eight ODIs — five against New Zealand and three against England — so the Indian squad will also look to get their combination right before the Champions Trophy next year.

Read India vs New Zealand | Virat Kohli smashes 154 to give India victory

Also Read: India vs New Zealand | Ashwin shines again; India on driver’s seat

But the Indian plans could fail to fructify if rain — forecast for the next four days — plays spoil-sport. The weather office has forecast light to moderate rainfall at many places over coastal Andhra Pradesh during the period October 28 to 31.

The main concern for Dhoni, meanwhile, is the inconsistent batting, as his batsmen have not fired on all cylinders so far. Apart from Virat Kohli (293 runs in four matches) and to some extent Ajinkya Rahane (113 runs), no other batsmen performed under the demanding situations.

Dhoni will also hope that Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav will make the opportunity count after floundering in the previous matches.

India also have a relatively inexperienced pace bowling attack but the bowlers have exceeded expectations and the Anil Kumble-coached team will have high hopes again from seasoned leg-spinner Amit Mishra.

The Haryana bowler has been in fine form, taking 10 wickets in four matches, and with off-spinner Kedar, they have managed to control the run flow.

On the other hand, after sweeping India in the Second and Fourth ODI, New Zealand appear to be in fine fettle inspired by stellar performances by skipper Kane Williamson and opener Martin Guptill — the latter scored his only second fifty on this tour in the fourth ODI in Ranchi.

After a disappointing tour so far, the visitors are now looking desperate for success in at least one leg of the tour.

On a neutral wicket, the Kiwi bowlers who have impressed so far with their disciplined bowling will be looking to extract some turn. New Zealand opener Tom Latham has also said that the Visakhapatnam wicket is devoid of grass, which means it might offer turn.

New Zealand will also bank on their experience and the momentum which they got after winning two ODIs.

They can still clinch this series if their middle-order, including veteran batsman Ross Taylor, clicks in the crucial summit clash.

The visiting team will rely on pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee and offie Mitchell Santner to keep check on the home batsmen.

Squads:

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain and wicket-keeper), 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 (wk), Corey Anderson, Tim Southee, Martin Guptill, B.J. Watling (wicket-keeper), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Anton Devcich, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell.

IANS

Indian Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni lost his first match in his home-town as the hosts went down fighting by 19 runs, enabling New Zealand level the five-match ODI series at the JSCA International Stadium.

Chasing 261, tailenders Dhawal Kulkarni (25 not out) and Umesh Yadav (7) put up a record 10th wicket stand of 34 against the Kiwis but the equation was too steep for them. In the end, India were all out for 241 in 48.4 overs.

Pacer Tim Southee (3/40) and all-rounder James Neesham (2/38) wrecked India’s chase as the hosts had only opener Ajinkya Rahane (57) scoring a fifty, failing to once again convert his good start.

Virat Kohli (45) and Axar Patel (38) tried to hold fort but wickets tumbled around them with Dhoni (11) also falling cheaply to Neesham. The downslide started with Rohit Sharma (11) falling early to a peach of an outswinging delivery from Southee.

Rahane was looking good tonking the first six of the match off Boult in the 6th over. The right-hander carted for fours off Southee and Boult.

With the fielding restrictions lifted after the first Powerplay, the Kiwis introduced spin, bringing Santner in the 10th over. Three over later, Ish Sodhi joined Santner but the skills of the Indian batsmen scored almost everytime over their rivals’ bowling.

One late cut off Sodhi in the 14th over by Kohli summed it up as the hosts were having a ball with spin from both ends.

India vs New Zealand | Virat Kohli smashes 154 to give India victory

Just when the hosts were looking to cruise to an easy win with both Kohli and Rahane stitching a 79-run second wicket partnership at 5.04 per over, Sodhi sent the former packing.

Lunging at a poor delivery way outside off-stump, Kohli (45) looked to cut in vain giving an outside edge to Watling who took a fine catch.

Meanwhile, Rahane brought up his 16th fifty in the 25th over off Devcich as the tourists perhaps missed a trick by playing the left-armer who seemed to ease the pressure off Dhoni and Rahane at a time India could have been put in a spot of bother after the dismissal of Kohli.

But Neesham, in his second spell, did the damage getting Rahane LBW after the latter shuffled his stance and played across.

Ajinkya Rahane – The New Wall of Indian Cricket

Ajinkya Rahane (57) highest scorer for India in 4th ODI

Neesham was on the money again, this time castling the Indian captain with an incoming delivery which Dhoni missed all ends up with no foot movement whatsoever.

Manish Pandey and Axar Patel looked to put up a semblence of a fight before Pandey fell to a superb catch by Tom Latham at mid on with Southee picking up Kedar Jadhav plumb in front with his next delivery.

Amit Mishra and Axar Patel showed character for a 38-run eighth wicket stand until Mihra ran for a non-existent second run allowing Santer time to get him run out.

Patel followed suit in the same over, Boult yorking him from around the wicket. Kulkarni and Yadav tried their best but in the end the target proved too big for the lower orer batsmen.

Earlier, Martin Guptill top-scored for the tourists with 72 off 84 balls to set India a target of 261.

Williamson’s charges rued not putting more runs on the board after getting off to a flying start where they hit 12 boundaries in the first ten overs but only managed 13 in the next 40. Mishra returned with best figures of 2/42 getting the important scalps of Williamson and Neesham.

The Black Caps got off to a flying start and they were also helped by a missed catch. Amit Mishra grassed a difficult catch of Guptill (29) at mid-on in the seventh over, diving to his left but parrying his one-handed attempt towards long-on.

Patel outfoxed Latham (39) just when he and Guptill were looking good, with a slower one which the in-form opener swept to Ajinkya Rahane at short fine leg. Moments later, Guptill brought up his fifty in 56 balls. Guptill continued to score freely, racing to 72 in no time as the tourists reached 138/1 by the 26th over. 

Just when things were looking good for Guptill, Pandya snapped his stay with a short of length delivery that the right-hander edged to Dhoni behind the stumps.

Williamson met the same fate albeit a little earlier in his innings. Looking set at 41 off 58 deliveries laced with four fours, the right-hander fell prey to Mishra’s guile trying to cut the leggie and in the process nicking to Dhoni.

Neesham soon followed suit, this time Kohli taking a superb catch diving low to his left at cover off Mishra.

Watling and Taylor tried to up the ante but a swing of the bat from the wicket-keeper, who replaced Luke Ronchi, went only as far as Rohit Sharma who took a simple catch at fine leg.

Dhoni again accounted for Taylor soon after with the former collecting the ball in front of the stumps and then deflecting it back onto the stumps, all in one motion to catch the latter unaware.

Umesh picked up Anton Devcich as the Kiwis set India a target of 261 to wrap up the series. 

Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 154 off just 134 deliveries as India beat New Zealand by seven wickets to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match One-Day International (ODI) cricket series here on Sunday.

Kohli, who scored his 26th ODI century, shared a 151-run stand with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (80) as India chased down New Zealand’s total of 285 all out with 10 balls to spare.

Earlier, Tom Latham (61) and James Neesham (57) played pivotal roles in New Zealand’s total as they overcame a middle-order batting failure at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium.

Virat Kohli reveals unknown secrets of his life

India v New Zealand

New Zealand:
Martin Guptill lbw b Yadav 27
Tom Latham c Pandya b Jadhav 61
Kane Williamson lbw b Jadhav 22
Ross Taylor st Dhoni b Mishra 44
Corey Anderson c Rahane b Jadhav 6
Luke Ronchi st Dhoni b Mishra 1
James Neesham c Jadhav b Yadav
Mitchell Santner c Kohli b Bumrah 7
Tim Southee b Yadav 13
Matt Henry not out 39
Trent Boult b Bumrah 1
Extras (w 7) 7

Total (in 49.4 overs) 285

Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Guptill, 6.4 overs), 2-80 (Williamson, 12.6), 3-153 (Taylor, 28.3), 4-160 (Anderson, 29.4), 5-161 (Ronchi, 30.2), 6-169 (Latham, 31.5), 7-180 (Santner, 34.2), 8-199 (Southee, 37.5), 9-283 (Neesham, 48.6), 10-285 (Boult, 49.4)

Bowling:
Umesh Yadav 10-0-75-3
Hardik Pandya 5-0-34-0
Jasprit Bumrah 9.4-0-52-2
Kedar Jadhav 5-0-29-3
Axar Patel 10-0-49-0
Amit Mishra 10-0-46-2

India Innings 289/3
Rohit Sharma lbw b Southee 13
Ajinkya Rahane c Santner b Henry 5
Virat Kohli not out 154
MS Dhoni c Ross Taylor b Henry 80
Manish Pandey not out 28

Extras 9 (b 0, lb 2, w 7, nb 0, p 0)
Total 289 (three wickets, 48.2 overs)

Fall of wickets: 13-1 (Ajinkya Rahane, 2.5 overs), 41-2 (Rohit Sharma, 8.4), 192-3 (MS Dhoni, 35.5)

Bowling:
Matt Henry 9.2-0-56-2
Trent Boult 10-0-73-0
Tim Southee 10-0-55-1
Mitchell Santner 10-0-43-0
James Neesham 9-0-60-0

Hardik Pandya’s (36) heroics couldn’t stop New Zealand from winning the 2nd ODI of the series by 6 runs in a thrilling finish. Kedar Jadhav (41) was the highest scorer for the hosts and skipper MS Dhoni contributed 39 runs in the team’s chase of 243-run target.

New Zealand scored 242/9 riding on skipper Kane Williamson’s fine century (118). With the win, New Zealand squared the five-match series 1-1. 

Known for their loud cheers and Bhangra whenever the Indian team plays at the Ferozshah Kotla stadium, the Delhi crowd went into a hush when home boy Virat Kohli was unexpectedly dismissed for a rare single-digit score but expressed delight that the second ODI between India and New Zealand turned out to be nailbiting.

Kohli’s failure at the Kotla in the second One Day International dampened the mood of the spectators, who wanted their local hero to score a century during India’s chase, with some even started returning home with his dismissal.

“We were here to watch a (Virat) Kohli innings… but somehow it wasn’t his day… just hope the others will take our team through,” said Ritesh, who along with his friends were on their way back home just after Kohli’s dismissal in the 12th over of India’s innings.

“He top scored in the first match at Dharamsala… and today, it was just an unlucky day… wish it didn’t happen in Delhi… but whoever bats must take India over the line,” another cricket buff said.

The usually vocal Kotla crowd went silent once Kohli was caught behind by Luke Ronchi followed by the quick dismissals of Ajinkya Rahane and Manish Pandey.

Ajinkya Rahane – The New Wall of Indian Cricket

KL Rahul the new poster boy of Indian cricket after Virat

But with Mahendra Singh Dhoni walking into the middle, the Delhi crowd were on their feet again with the hopes that Captain cool — one of the world’s best finishers — will take India over the line.
The Ranchi stumper didn’t disappoint and along with Kedar Jadhav brought up a 66-run fifth wicket stand before the pair parted ways. 

Despite Hardik Pandya lifting the spirits with some late order heroics, the hosts fell short by six runs in the second match. Irrespective of the outcome of the match, some fans were seen dancing to the tunes of various popular Bollywood numbers.

Some even were delighted at the match going down to the wire rather than being a dull one-sided affair. “I am happy that finally New Zealand showed they are capable of winning… this is their first win in the series… they were the better team on the day… we will win the series though,” college student Raman, who came with his friends, said.

The following is the scoreboard of the second One-Day International (ODI) between India and New Zealand at the Ferozeshah Kotla:

Scoreboard

India won the toss and chose to field

New Zealand 242/9

Martin Guptill b Umesh 0
Tom Latham lbw b K Jadhav 46
Kane Williamson c Rahane b Mishra 118
Ross Taylor c Rohit b Mishra 21
Corey Anderson lbw b A Mishra 21
Luke Ronchi c Dhoni b Axar 6
Mitchell Santner not out 9
Anton Devcich c Axar b Bumrah 7
Tim Southee b Bumrah 0
Matt Henry b Bumrah 6
Trent Boult not out 5

Extras 3 (b 0, lb 0, w 3, nb 0, p 0)
Total 242 (9 wickets, 50 overs)

Fall of Wickets: 0-1 (Martin Guptill, 0.2 overs), 120-2 (Tom Latham, 20.3), 158-3 (Ross Taylor, 30.6), 204-4 (Corey Anderson, 40.5), 213-5 (Kane Williamson, 42.4), 216-6 (Luke Ronchi, 43.3), 224-7 (Anton Devcich, 45.1), 225-8 (Tim Southee, 45.5), 237-9 (Matt Henry, 49.2)

Bowlers
Umesh Yadav 9-0-42-1, Hardik Pandya 9-0-45-0, Jasprit Bumrah 10-0-35-3, Axar Patel 10-0-49-1, Amit Mishra 10-0-60-3, Kedar Jadhav 2-0-11-1

India

Rohit Sharma c Ronchi b Boult 15
Ajinkya Rahane c Anderson b Southee 28
Virat Kohli c Ronchi b Santner 9
Manish Pandey run out 19
MS Dhoni c and b Southee 39
Kedar Jadhav c Ronchi b Henry 41
Axar Patel c Santner b Guptill 17
Hardik Pandya c Santner b Boult 36
Amit Mishra c sub (Doug Bracewell) b Guptill 1
Umesh Yadav not out 18
Jasprt Bumrah b Southee 0

Extras (lb 5, w 8) 13
Total (all out; 49.3 overs) 236

Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Sharma, 7.1 overs), 2-40 (Kohli, 11.4), 3-72 (Rahane, 18.4), 4-73 (Pandey, 19.2), 5-139 (Jadhav, 31.1), 6-172 (Dhoni, 39.3), 7-180 (Patel, 40.1), 8-183 (Mishra, 40.5), 9-232 (Pandya, 48.5), 10-236 (49.3)

Bowling

Matt Henry 10-0-51-1, Trent Boult 10-2-25-2, Tim Southee 9-0-49-2, A.P. Devcich 9-0-48-0, Mitchell Santner 10-0-49-1, Martin Guptill 1-0-6-2