Dhawan leads India to series-levelling victory

Dinesh Karthik’s unbeaten knock of 64 runs from 92 balls and Shikhar Dhawan’s 68 (84 balls) solid start led a clinical Indian chase of 231 to bring the three-match ODI series level at 1-1 at MCA stadium here on Wednesday.

A combined effort from the batting and bowling departments allowed the Indian team to register a cosy victory.

After Rohit Sharma 7 (19 balls) casually gave his wicket away to Tim Southee in early stages, Kohli 29 (29 balls) and Dhawan did not sit back. Both top-order batsmen went off in an aggressive manner to keep up the tempo where the Kiwis were at the receiving end.

Just when it looked like Kohli could pull another marvel out of his bag, Colin de Grandhomme triumphed. The skipper’s cover drive took a thin edge off his bat and landed in wicketkeeper Latham’s gloves.

Dinesh Karthik supported a well-settled Dhawan. The pair dealt in singles and doubles mainly as the target was not demanding as they put on a partnership of 66 runs off 93 balls. Kiwis got a respite in the 30th over when Dhawan played a poor shot directly into the hands of Ross Taylor at extra cover making way for hard-hitter Hardik Pandya.

Playing together for the first time, Karthik and Pandya raised 56 runs in 65 balls. When Santner dimissed Pandya, it did not make any difference. Mahendra Singh Dhoni 18 (21 balls) had a simple task of sticking around and leading the team to a comfortable win.

Earlier, India did not allow the Kiwis find rhythm as the pacers struck early. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar dismissed openers Marin Guptill (11) and Colin Munroe (10) in his first spell and Jasprit Bumrah sent Kane Williamsom (3) home after yet another disordered innings.

The visitors were 27/3 when Ross Taylor 21 (33) and Tom Latham 38 (62) reunited with a great deal of pressure. Kedar Jadhav, who did not bowl in Mumbai, was introduced just after 10 overs bowling seven overs in his spell to break the partnership as early as possible.

The duo was on a task to consolidate and it looked like they could repeat their feat from the last match. It was Pandya who dismissed Taylor in loose fashion and Latham was bowled while trying to play sweep shot. The visitors were unsuccessful finding momentum. Chahal redeemed himself after no wickets in the last game striking twice. He expelled Adam Milne and Grandhomme back-to-back. However, Henry Nicholls 42 (62) and Colin de Grandhomme 41 (40) managed to get some runs on the board to keep the competition alive.