New Zealand's stand-in captain, Michael Bracewell, expressed immense pride in his team's collective effort despite falling short by 45 runs against a dominant Indian side in the third and final T20 International in Ahmedabad. The match, held at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, saw India clinch the series 2-1 with a commanding performance.
A Valiant Chase Falls Short in Ahmedabad
Facing a daunting target of 235 runs, the Blackcaps displayed remarkable intent and fighting spirit. Openers Finn Allen and Devon Conway provided a blistering start, but the middle order couldn't sustain the required momentum against a varied Indian attack. New Zealand was eventually bowled out for 189 runs in 20 overs, concluding a high-scoring thriller. Bracewell highlighted the positive approach, stating his team "took the game on" right from the outset, which was a key takeaway from the contest.
Bracewell's Leadership and Praise for Pandya's India
Leading the side in the absence of regular skipper Kane Williamson, Bracewell acknowledged the challenge of containing the Indian batting lineup on a flat track. He specifically pointed to the powerplay as a crucial phase where India gained a significant advantage. Indian captain Hardik Pandya was lauded by his counterpart for his strategic acumen and aggressive batting. Bracewell noted that Pandya's leadership and his team's ability to post a massive total under pressure were decisive factors in the outcome of the match and the series.
Looking Ahead: Building on the Positives
While disappointed with the series loss, the New Zealand captain chose to focus on the positives. He emphasized the valuable experience gained by the players, especially in challenging subcontinental conditions. The team's aggressive mindset with the bat, particularly in a chase of such magnitude, was seen as a blueprint for future encounters. The series served as a vital learning curve for the relatively young New Zealand squad as they build towards major international tournaments, testing their skills against one of the world's best white-ball teams in their own backyard.
Bracewell's comments reflect a team culture that values process and effort alongside results. The fighting total of 189 while chasing 235, in his view, demonstrates the character within the squad. As both teams move forward, the lessons from this tightly contested T20I series will undoubtedly shape their preparations for the upcoming cricketing calendar.
