Wellington,Oct 27:
New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has credited India’s death bowling for the visitors’ 2-0 lead in the ongoing T20 International series, admitting that the hosts have struggled to finish their innings strongly despite posting competitive totals in the first two matches.
India restricted New Zealand during the closing overs in both games, conceding only 26 runs in the final two overs of the opening T20I and 23 in the corresponding period of the second match. The disciplined bowling helped India maintain control in two high-scoring contests and put the hosts under pressure at crucial moments.
“They’ve put us under pressure, particularly at the death with the ball,” Bracewell said on Monday, ahead of the third T20I at the Basin Reserve. He added that New Zealand needed to be more clinical in key situations and learn from opportunities they had failed to capitalise on.
New Zealand were unable to defend 225 in the first match and 180 in the second, despite showing promising spells with both bat and ball. Bracewell said the team had been competitive for significant periods but needed to sustain its performance for longer to challenge India consistently.
He also acknowledged the threat posed by India’s in-form opening pair, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. The duo made a rapid start in the opening match, helping India score 94 runs in the powerplay. Bracewell said New Zealand had discussed the need to counter India’s aggressive approach at the start of the innings.
The all-rounder, however, pointed to positive signs in the middle overs, particularly the performance of captain Mitchell Santner. The left-arm spinner’s ability to slow India’s scoring rate and take wickets had helped New Zealand regain control during the second match.
Bracewell remained optimistic about his team’s chances despite the series deficit, stressing that small margins often determine T20 matches. He said New Zealand would continue backing their strengths and focus on producing a complete performance in the remaining games.
India will enter Tuesday’s third T20I seeking to seal the series with a third successive victory, while New Zealand must win to keep the contest alive. The hosts will be looking for improved execution at the death, both with the bat and ball, to prevent India from extending their advantage.