New Zealand’s all-rounder Rachin Ravindra admitted Indian bowlers made it tough for them during the mid-innings break at the Himachal Pradesh Association Stadium, Dharamshala. In the end, India won by four wickets to continue their winning march in the tournament whereas New Zealand suffered their first loss.

Earlier in the match, India was able to put themselves in front after dismissing both New Zealand’s openers – Devon Conway and Will Young – cheaply. However, Rachin Ravindra continued to impress as he timed the ball to perfection. Daryl Mitchell was also able to hit the ground running as he took the attack against Kuldeep Yadav, smashing him down the wicket.

The duo added 159 runs for the third wicket as they played at the top of their game. Ravindra scored 75 runs but New Zealand veered off the track in their last 10 overs as Indian bowlers were able to tighten the screws.

In the last 11 overs, the Kiwis could only manage 55 runs and lost four wickets. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the India bowlers as he returned with impressive figures of 5-54 and thus played a key role in skittling out the Blackcaps at 273.

“It took me longer to get to my rhythm. They made it tough for us to score,” Ravindra was quoted as saying during the innings break.

Meanwhile, Jadeja went wicketless (0-48) whereas Kuldeep Yadav was expensive, returning with 2-73 and thus India could not stranglehold New Zealand in the middle overs. However, Ravindra feels the fast bowlers kept India on the right track as the last 10 overs proved to be decisive.

“I think we looked at the 280-ish mark knowing the pitch was keeping low. They pegged us back nicely at the death. I think Jadeja and Kuldeep didn’t get a lot of turn but the seamers were up and down with low bounce,” he added.

New Zealand will next take on Australia at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on Saturday.