New Zealand beat top-ranked India by seven wickets in the second Test on Monday (March 2), following up their 10-wicket win in the first match to sweep the series 2-0.
Needing only 132 runs to win after dismissing Virat Kohli & Co. for 124 in their second innings, New Zealand was led towards the total by openers Tom Latham (52) and Tom Blundell (55), who added 103 for the first wicket.
New Zealand lost the wickets of both openers and captain Kane Williamson (5) on the way but reached their target in 36 overs with Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls both on 5 not out.
India started Day 3 at 90-6 after leading against the hosts by seven runs in the first innings. New Zealand’s victory was all but assured when it took only 10 overs to wrap up the innings with Trent Boult claiming 4-28 and Tim Southee returning 3-36.
Mohammed Shami was hit on his right shoulder while batting
The Indian fans were surprised to see the second innings star Mohammed Shami bowl only three overs defending a mere total. Shami generally sets the stage on fire in the second innings and has, in the recent past, picked wickets in clusters. But India missed him at the Hagley Oval even as captain Kohli bowled a solitary over.
The main reason for Shami not bowling much in the second innings was the blow he took on his right shoulder while batting. After coming out with a willow, Shami tried to clear his front leg and whack off Trent Boult. But the left-arm pacer cleverly bowled a short ball that hit the batsman on his shoulder.
The impact was blow was such that Shami felt it even more after India’s innings came to an end. He was also seen talking to skipper Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri about the same before taking the field.
In the pain, Shami tried to bowl a few overs and after delivering 18 balls, was seen signaling to his team captain that he is struggling. And after the lunch break, Shami didn’t come out to bowl with the likes of Umesh and Bumrah, along with Ravindra Jadeja doing the bulk of the job.
The BCCI also released a statement regarding the same which read: “Mohammed Shami suffered a ball impact injury while batting. He is receiving treatment for the same and is currently off the field.”
