Indian fast bowlers had a great outing in the 2nd ODI against New Zealand on Saturday at Saheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bowl first, which proved to be a decision. Half of the Kiwi team had returned to the pavilion for a score of just 15, and they were all out for 108 runs in 34.3 overs. Mohammed Shami was the highest wicket-taker on the day, finishing with 3 wickets for 18 runs in his six-over spell. He was also awarded Player of the Match.
On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj who has been breathing fire these days with the ball, also took a wicket and conceded only 10 runs in the 6 overs he bowled. Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria praised both the pacers for their brilliant performance with the new ball.
“Mohammed Siraj continues to show incredible form and is bowling with some good rhythm. Once again, he formed a lethal new-ball partnership with Shami and pushed New Zealand on the back foot straight away. Even the best batters in the world would have struggled to play Shami and Siraj yesterday,” Kaneria said on his YouTube channel.
Mohammed Shami was outstanding with his line and length: Kaneria
Kaneria criticized the New Zealand batsmen for failing to adapt to the seaming conditions, as they play in similar conditions at home. The former spinner also credited Mohammed Shami for his brilliant performance in breaking down the Kiwis’ batting order.
“Yes, the pitch did have moisture in it and because of that the pacers did get help in seam movement. However, New Zealand batters have faced such conditions back home. Yet, they were exposed, thanks to some brilliant bowling from the Indian pacers,” Kaneria added.
“Mohammed Shami was outstanding with his line and length and troubled the New Zealand batters with his seam movement. It was almost like we were watching a vintage Mohammed Shami,” said Kaneria.
India will take on New Zealand in the third and final ODI of the three-match series at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Tuesday, January 24.
