With a “fun drill,” India prepares for the New Zealand challenge
Indian players are putting in long hours in preparation for their Super 12 match against New Zealand. The Indian cricket team’s Instagram account posted photographs from a training session before the crucial match. Some of the cricketers, including Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin, were photographed taking part in a “fun drill.” Fans reacted positively to the message, with many wishing them luck in their critical match against Kane Williamson’s side. Both India and New Zealand lost their first T20 World Cup matches to Pakistan.
Despite the humiliating loss to Pakistan, the post demonstrated to fans that the Indian camp has a high level of confidence.
In Dubai, the Babar Azam-led team defeated India by ten wickets. Pakistan reached 152 for no loss in 17.5 overs while chasing a goal of 152 runs.
Openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were unbeaten throughout the tournament. Azam slammed 68 runs off 52 balls, while Rizwan smashed 79 runs off 55 deliveries.
India had achieved 151 for seven in 20 overs after being selected to bat first, with Virat Kohli scoring a half-century (57 off 49 balls).
Despite Kohli’s performance, India’s top-order collapsed, with opener Rohit Sharma going for a duck. Only three runs came off eight balls for KL Rahul.
Apart from Kohli, Rishabh Pant also contributed, scoring 39 runs in 30 balls.
Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi was in fine form, claiming three wickets in four overs. Hasan Ali captured two wickets in four overs for his team, however, he was bowled out for a duck.
New Zealand, India’s next opponent, also lost to Pakistan in their first Super 12 match. On Tuesday, Pakistan overcame New Zealand by five wickets to make it two wins in a row.
Pakistan is now in first place in Group 2, with Afghanistan in second place. India is in fifth place, followed by New Zealand in fourth.