India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I: Who said what?

After being hammered by New Zealand in their previous outing by 80 runs, India was under pressure to deliver. With lots of doubts raising about the players in the side, India bounced back as they defeated the Black Caps by 7 wickets.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson opted to bat first after winning the toss. Tom Seifert and Colin Munro started the proceedings but the Kiwis didn’t get the start they would have liked as Seifert was dismissed for 10 runs.

Krunal Pandya struck twice in an over as he dismissed Munro and Daryl Mitchell. The dismissal of Mitchell was debated highly as the third umpire judged it out even though there were some traces of ball hitting the bat before reaching the pads. Colin De GrandHomme rescued New Zealand who were struggling at 50-4 with his counter-attacking knock. However, India dented their progress with regular wickets and thus the black caps were able to post only 158 for the loss of 8 wickets at the end of 20 overs.

In reply, India started strong as Rohit smashed boundaries at ease and was dismissed only after he reached his half-century. But since the damage was already done, India just needed a guide to take them across the line which was swiftly done by Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni. India thus defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets and shall be hoping to clinch the series when they meet again on 10th at Hamilton.

Here’s how the world reacted to India’s bounce back in second T20I:

Kane Williamson, New Zealand captain: "I suppose the performance in Wellington was going to be difficult to replicate. We missed a trick or two with the bat. It was slightly more tricky to bat, but 20 more runs at the death would have been better. It wasn't a 180-200 wicket for sure, but the opening partnership from India just took it away. It's important that as a side we are aware of the good bits we have done and put that into practice every time we come out to bat. Today it wasn't our day to be honest. Today wasn't as close as we would have liked, but having a full house like Eden Park, there isn't any better atmosphere in the world."

Rohit Sharma, India captain: "Very pleased to see how we bowled, and we were quite clinical with the bat as well. We have quality in our side, but we executed our plans better today, after learning from our mistakes. It's important to understand the mistakes that we made - it's been a long tour for everyone. So we didn't want to put a lot of pressure on the boys, just go in there with a clear mind. It's going to be a cracker of a game in the 3rd T20I, but nothing to take away from New Zealand, they're still a quality side."

Krunal Pandya, Man of the Match: "It felt really nice to contribute for the team. It's always special when you contribute to a win. The dimensions are quite different from Wellington, the straight boundaries were short and I had to adjust my length to it. Looking forward to the decider in two days time."

Let us have a look at what Twitter said:

1) Aakash Chopra

BIZZARE. ARE WE SERIOUS? Third Umpire has failed the DRS 🙈😱 #Mitchell #NzvInd

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 8, 2019

2) Cricketwallah

Clinical performance by India, if I am permitted a cliche, players clearly intent on keeping series alice. Bowlers splendid in restricting NZ to modest score. Rohit's smashing half century and strokefilled 40 by Pant made it a cakewalk. I'll tip India to win on Sunday too

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) February 8, 2019

3) Harsha Bhogle

Same teams, same set of players, completely different result. Underlines the great importance of taking wickets early. #NZvIND

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 8, 2019

4) Mohammad Kaif

India bowled superbly today and it made the job for the batsman easier. Clinical win this and must be a good decider on the 10th #NZvInd

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 8, 2019

5) Mohandas Menon

Leading run-getters in Tests: Sachin Tendulkar 🇮🇳- 15921ODIs: Sachin Tendulkar 🇮🇳 - 18426T20Is: Rohit Sharma 🇮🇳- 2276* - today @ Auckland#NZvInd

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) February 8, 2019

6) Chetan Narula

No roof here, but it would have come down... some noise from the crowd as MS Dhoni walks in. #NZvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) February 8, 2019

7) Gautam Bhimani

Reckon Daryl Mitchell very unlucky there. Protocol for conflict between hot spot and snicko is the key to resolving this. Naked eye showed deviation #NZvIND #CricbuzzLIVE

— Gautam Bhimani (@gbhimani) February 8, 2019

8) Sampath Bandarupalli

100th SIX in T20I cricket for Rohit Sharma. Only Chris Gayle (103) and Martin Guptill (103) have hit 100 sixes in T20Is. #NZvIND

— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) February 8, 2019