Speaking after India’s win, MS Dhoni indicated that his team was surprised by the pitch assisting the quicker bowlers early on in the match.
“It was a fantastic effort from the fast bowlers. We didn’t think the pitch would help them this much. They hit the good lengths – just short of full deliveries. Especially Hardik, he exploited the length well, they bowled well and got regular wickets, the catching was excellent as well,” he said.
Dhoni spoke highly of debutant Hardik Pandya, who went on to register figures of 3/31 and win the man of the match award in his first ODI.
“Hardik has an awkward action, it is difficult to pick his action up. We have bowlers who bowl quick, hitting regularly the 130 and 140 (kph) mark. Hardik’s performance is important for us. If he continues to do well, then it will be good for us going into the future, especially during batting,” the Indian skipper added.
Hardik Pandya's best figures in 17 List-A matches before today - 2 for 47. He has already taken 3 wkts in his first ODI today. #IndvsNZ
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) October 16, 2016
WILLIAMSON RUES POOR START
Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson felt his side’s failure to weather the storm early on in their innings cost them the match.
The visitors lost wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 65/7 at one stage in their innings.
“I think we had to weather the storm a little bit as the first ten overs were pretty tough with the bat. We just didn’t get any partnerships going. They bowled well, there was some sideways movement, they exploited the conditions well. We needed to weather it, get into the middle overs, but there were some soft dismissals as well,” said Williamson.
Williamson also bemoaned over the fact that the Kiwis weren’t able to take quick wickets at the start of India’s innings.
The opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane put on 49 runs for India, before Virat Kohli took the hosts home with an unbeaten 85.
“We needed to take some early wickets, but they are a good chasing side and they showed it today,” he said.
“We were extremely below par in all areas today, we need to stick together. We are a tight unit, (need to) play our best cricket, then only we can beat a top team like India.”
The teams will now move to Delhi for the second ODI on Wednesday.
