The decider third T20I between New Zealand and India was tied after the play was forced to be abandoned due to rain at the McLean Park in Napier on Tuesday, November 22.
India win the series by 1-0.
Losing Skipper, Tim Southee said:
It was disappointing even with the bat. We spoke about getting out there and and giving everything we could, take early wickets. We knew if we can get those wickets, anything could happen, but unfortunately the weather came in. You don’t know until both sides batted on it, would have been an interesting game but hasn’t gone the full tilt. Little bit of uncertainty around the scoreboard whether it was a tie when the rain came in. Could have gone either way, the way we attacked with the ball and to put them under pressure was pleasing. Nice to be back in some ODI cricket against a quality side like India. Hoping for a good crowd in Auckland.”
Winning Skipper, Hardik Pandya said:
Would have liked to win the game by playing the full overs, but it is what it is. At some point, I felt attack is the best defence on this wicket. We know the kind of bowling attacks they have, it was very important to get those 10-15 runs extra even though we lost a couple of wickets. A game like this could have given us an opportunity to test some of the players, but having said that, weather is something we cannot control. I’m going back home, taking my time off and be with my son.”
Player of the Match, Mohammed Siraj said:
The wicket wasn’t easy to bat and I was prepared to bowl hard lengths which gave me the rewards. I prepared myself to bowl hard lengths and had so much practice during World Cup and I just executed my plans. I always keep it simple. Just bowl the hard lengths. The weather is not in our hands, happy with the series win.”
Player of the Series, Suryakumar Yadav said:
Really happy with the way things have gone till now, would have loved a full game here but as Siraj said the weather is not in our hands. The pressure is always there and at the same time I’m enjoying my batting, just going there and expressing myself. Not carrying any baggage out there. The intent and approach will remain the same. We can just go out and express ourselves, would have loved a full game, but that’s fine.”
