New Zealand XI-India warm-up match: Here are the key takeaways
The three-day practice match between New Zealand XI and India ended in a draw. The visitors had the better say in the game and dominated the scenes. India managed 263 and then bowled out NZ XI for just 235. In the second innings, India were 257/4, courtesy Mayank Agarwal's 81. Here are the key takeaways from this match.
How did the match pan out?
India's opening options struggled in the first innings, before Cheteshwar Pujara (93) and Hanuma Vihari (101) excelled. The pacers showed their credibility next. Mohammed Shami was the star after picking up three scalps. For New Zealand XI, nobody went on to get past 50. In the second innings, India added 72 for the first wicket. Besides Mayank's 81, Rishabh Pant amassed 70.
Bumrah and Shami shine, back-up pacers impress
India fielded four pacers and they worked well collectively. Principle Test bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami stood out with five wickets between them. Shami got the ball to talk both ways, whereas, Bumrah got assistance from the bounce on offer. With Ishant Sharma passing the fitness Test, the trio will want to boss the show. Meanwhile, Umesh Yadav and Navdeep Saini did well.
Pujara and Vihari will be crucial for Team India
The highlight for Team India was the key offering from Cheteshwar Pujara at number three. Pujara slammed a 211-ball 93. He absorbed the pressure early on with India being at 5/3. Pujara hit 11 fours and a six. Meanwhile, Hanuma Vihari will have a major role to play against the Kiwis. He slammed 101 which included 10 fours and three sixes before retiring out.
Mayank shows character after horrific run of form
The ongoing tour of New Zealand saw Mayank battle poor form. His scores in the tour including the ODIs read: 8, 32, 29, 37, 24, 0, 0, 32, 3, 1, 1 and 81. The classy opener scored a 99-ball 81. He smashed 10 fours and three sixes. This game was crucial for Mayank and he made amends with the knock in the second innings.
