Key learnings from India's win in third ODI against Kiwis
What's the story
India took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series against New Zealand, courtesy of Indian bowlers. The Kiwis were bowled out for 243, as India chased down the target with seven wickets to spare. Mohammed Shami picked up 3/41, as Rohit Sharma (62) and Virat Kohli (60) contributed with the bat. Here are key learnings from the match as India showed their dominance.
India top three
India's top three batsmen continue to impress
India will go into the ICC World Cup 2019 knowing that the top three batsmen can dominate the show consistently. Today it was about Rohit and Kohli, who stitched a 119-run stand for the second wicket. In the previous match, it was Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan, who added 154 for the first wicket. In the first ODI, Dhawan and Kohli had added 91 runs.
Shami
Shami on top of his game
Mohammed Shami has been the pick of Indian bowlers since the ODI defeat against Australia at the SCG. The fast bowler has picked up 12 wickets in the five ODIs played since then. On Monday, he was impressive against top order batsmen and got the crucial wicket of Colin Munro. He also dismissed set batsman Ross Taylor (93). Shami has grabbed this opportunity well.
DK, Rayudu
Have Karthik, Rayudu cemented their World Cup spots?
Dinesh Karthik, once again, showed his prowess as a finisher. After being rested for the last two matches, DK featured in this match in place of MS Dhoni. The senior cricketer struck a run-a-ball unbeaten 38 to take India home. Ambati Rayudu was among the runs as well and he stayed till the end. India will be satisfied with the performance of these two.
NZ
New Zealand have a lot of work to do
New Zealand are lagging way behind India at the moment. Their batting, in particular, has let them down. New Zealand openers have averaged 11.85 in their last 14 outings. The Kiwis remain dependent on Kane Williamson and Taylor. Further, their bowling hasn't been sharp either. The Kiwis need to do serious work if they want to challenge India and England in the World Cup.