Chasing 350, New Zealand made a remarkable comeback, thanks to a 162-run stand between Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner, after slumping to 131-6. However, India prevailed by 12 runs in the end as they bowled the Kiwis out for 337, with Bracewell dismissed last for 140, in the very last over.
Speaking on ESPNCricinfo after India’s narrow win, Jaffer recalled how India also struggled against Bangladesh’s tailenders recently. While the 44-year-old admits that opposition being six or seven down can make any side complacent, he warned it might cost India games in World Cups.
When asked whether India lack defensive bowlers, Jaffer stated that Shardul Thakur is one such player, having operated well with Kuldeep Yadav in Hyderabad. Nevertheless, Jaffer criticized Hardik Pandya for overdoing the short-pitched deliveries, with Finn Allen hitting him for 20 in an over.
Jaffer continued, emphasizing the need for moderation when it comes to short-pitch bowling:
Shardul, who came in for Umran Malik, picked up two crucial wickets in the game, dismissing Finn Allen and Michael Bracewell. While the 31-year-old came in to increase India’s batting depth, he managed only three runs.
“It did seem like things were getting out of hand” - Wasim Jaffer on New Zealand’s fightback against India
When asked whether India looked clueless during the 162-run stand between Santner and Bracewell, Jaffer answered in the affirmative. The former Test opener believes Mohammed Siraj’s twin strikes prevented New Zealand from winning, but also thinks that India were lucky to escape with the victory.
India suffered two narrow losses to Bangladesh on their tour of that country last year, eventually losing the series 2-1. In the first two games of the series, the Men in Blue had the hosts in dire straits, before Mehidy Hasan Miraz bailed them out.
India did not allow another game to slip through their grasp on Wednesday. Their next match against New Zealand will take place in the second ODI in Raipur on Saturday.
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