Updated: 6:50am – New Zealand have suffered their first Twenty20 loss to India after taking a 53-run hammering in the series opener in Delhi.
Dropped catches proved costly for the Black Caps, Indian openers Shikar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma both given an early life before going on to each make 80.
Dhawan was put down on eight by Mitchell Santner, while Sharma was shelled on 16 by Tim Southee, allowing the pair to put together a commanding 158-run opening wicket
Virat Kohli was the other contributor to the hosts’ imposing total of 202-3, the Indian skipper also capitalising on being dropped to thump an 11-ball 26 late in the innings.
In reply, New Zealand could only manage 149-8 as the Indian bowling attack put a chokehold on a potentially dangerous Black Caps order.
Tom Latham, the standout from the one-day series won 2-1 by the home team, was again the visitors best with the bat, making 39 off 36.
Skipper Kane Williamson made 28 off 24 and Santner hit 27 off 14 towards the end but no other New Zealand batsman got past 11.
-RNZ
Featured Image: The Black Caps players following their ODI loss to India. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
