Each groups have been unbeaten within the group coming into this encounter, which introduced a captivating alternative how they might fare underneath vital strain for the primary time.
India have been instantly on the again foot with Shubman Gill pinned lbw by Henry for 2, skipper Rohit Sharma fell to Kyle Jamieson for 15 and the gang was silenced by one other of Phillips’ one-handed acrobatic efforts.
However Axar and Shreyas, whose partnership got here from 136 balls, expertly rotated the strike calmly and adjusted to the difficult floor which enabled Hardik to play extra expansively within the closing overs.
Whereas it was not explosive, it was the numerous partnership that New Zealand’s innings lacked as no one was capable of help Williamson, with the stand of 44 between himself and Daryl Mitchell the best contribution.
They didn’t collapse or lose wickets in clusters however Rohit utilised his 4 spinners cannily, with every providing a special problem and not one of the batters have been capable of settle.
At 133-3 with 18 overs remaining, the match was intriguingly poised however when Tom Latham was trapped in entrance by Ravindra Jadeja, India had their opening and Chakravarthy burst via.
Having earlier eliminated opener Will Younger for 22, he had Phillips and Michael Bracewell lbw, Mitchell Santner was bowled for 28 and Henry was caught at mid-off for 2.
New Zealand will nonetheless be assured as they head again to the batter-friendly floor of Lahore, however India’s spin quartet appears like will probably be the most important problem for any staff to beat.
