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New Zealand stunned India to clinch the first of three T20Is by 21 runs at the JSCA International Complex Stadium in Ranchi on January 27 (Friday) despite Washington Sundar's splendid all-around display. Defending a competitive total of 176/9, the Black Caps made the most of the spin-friendly track to bamboozle India as the hosts crumbled down to 155/9 in the series opener to hand the Black Caps a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Michael Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson and captain Mitchell Santner snared two wickets each to keep Indian batters in check.
After bowling a splendid spell of 2/22, Sundar did pose a threat to New Zealand with his lightning 50 off 28 while batting but his effort went in vain.
Playing in front of his home crowd, Ishan Kishan failed to entertain fans with his bat but the wicketkeeper-batter provided a joyful moment by pulling off an exquisite run out from behind the stumps. With former India captain MS Dhoni watching the game from the stands, Kishan paid homage to the Indian great.
The moment occurred on the fifth ball of the 18th over bowled by Arshdeep Singh in the first innings of the match. The ball hit Daryl Mitchell's pad and ricocheted behind the stumps where Kishan displayed exemplary game awareness. The Indian wicket-keeper removed his right-hand glove and hurled in an accurate throw at the striker's end to catch dangerous Michael Bracewell short of the crease.
Watch the video here:
Kishan failed to put on a show with the bat as he was cleaned up by Bracewell after scoring four runs off five balls. The Men in Blue will now take on the Black Caps in the second T20I on January 29 (Sunday).
