India's fiery bowling attack munched on New Zealand's bruised batting line up to power India to an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the second ODI in Raipur on Saturday (January 21) to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. India's pace spearhead Mohammed Shami led from the front to pester Kiwi batters with his accurate and economical six-over spell in which he conceded just 18 runs and snared three wickets. India's stunning bowling folded Black Caps to just 110. In reply India made the light of work of New Zealand's lowly target riding on skipper Rohit Sharma's handsome 51 off 50.
Meanwhile, India's senior pacer Shami stressed on the importance of work load management ahead of the all-important ODI World Cup which will be played later this year. The 32-year-old says there is no better way to maintain optimum fitness than playing matches regularly.
"I always prefer playing matches over practice. It is always better to play maximum number of games to get ready for a big event. Load is being managed and it is being managed properly. I just hope the main players stay in a good zone (ahead of the World Cup)," said Shami.
With 15/5, New Zealand feared getting all out for a record score. Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell helped New Zealand cross the 50-run mark. The sixth-wicket partnership was ended by Shami who got the wicket of first ODI's centurion. Bracewell scored 22 runs from 30 deliveries. India missed a chance to bundle out Kiwis for less than 100 as Mitchell Santner was dropped twice, once by skipper Rohit and Kuldeep Yadav off his bowling.
On his role as a senior bowler in the team, he said, “As far as I am concerned, I always talk to the bowler. I know he is putting in the effort but, at times, you don't get the desired results and that can improve if you talk to your bowling partner. That is the role I like to play when I am bowling. My role hasn't changed since I have come into the team (laughs). The only thing is to keep working on the fitness and diet”.
With the series already in the bag, Shami said the team could give opportunities to uncapped Rajat Patidar and Umran Malik in the third and final ODI in Indore on Tuesday.
"The management will take a call on that but they can be given an opportunity now that the series is won," he said.
Shami also said that it is too early to finalise the squad combination with the World Cup more than six months away.
"If people still doubt the Indian team despite the results it has given in the last four to six years, World Cup is still long time away. We need to play a lot of games and need to try out more players before that," Shami further added.
Meanwhile, India will play the the dead rubber third ODI against New Zealand on January 24 in Indore
