India lose a thriller –
New Zealand in India T20 Series – 2nd T20
India v New Zealand,
New Zealand won by 1 run. Played at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai 11 September 2012 – D/N
It was a return match for Yuvraj Singh post his absence from cricket due to his fight with Cancer. The first T20 match was abandoned even without a bowl being bowled. In the second T20 match, India won the toss and decided to bowl first. New Zealand lost both the openers in successive overs bowled by Z Kahn and I Pathan. B McCullum made sure that India didn’t stuck any more blows and changed the momentum in New Zealand’s favour. He hit a quickfire 91 of 55 balls and helped New Zealand put up a competitive 167 in 20 overs after being 2 for 2. Yuvraj got to bowl 2 overs in his comeback match.
India lost its opener Gambhir early in the match. Virat Kohli, ensured he carried on the flow of runs for India. Kohli made an explosive 70 of 41 studded with 10 fours and a six. He was supported by Raina and Yuvraj. Yuvi looked in full flow as his shots crossed the boundary line. A couple of sixes and fours by Yuvraj and Dhoni brought India closer to the target. Needing 13 runs of the last over, with both Dhoni and Yuvraj at crease, it looked easy for India. However things changed dramatically in the last over bowled by Franklin. Dhoni hit a four, but Yuvraj got out after that. Requiring 4 of the last ball, Rohit Sharma could only manage a double. Despite a valiant effort by Kohli and Yuvraj, India lost the match which was it should have won easily. New Zealand won the series 1-0.
Post the match Yuvraj said – “We lost a game that we should have won, but for me personally it was a big emotional moment to get on the field. I had tears in my eyes when we were fielding, luckily the cameras did not catch it. I think I am timing the ball well and it can only get better from here.” – Way to go Yuvi !!!
Click on the video below to watch the highlights of the match