The first T20I between India and New Zealand was a special one for the young wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan as he was playing this game on his home ground – the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday.
While Kishan failed to impress the home crowd with the bat after getting out for just 4 runs during India’s unsuccessful chase, the 24-year-old did impress with his keeping as well as fielding skills. Kishan displayed his sharpness behind the stumps and produced a brilliant direct-hit run-out to get rid of Michael Bracewell.
It all happened during the 18th over of the Blackcaps innings when Arshdeep Singh came round the wicket to Daryl Mitchell and bowled on his pads. Mitchell failed to connect the ball, which angled in at 133 kmph and clipped his thigh pads before rolling to the left of the keeper.
Mitchell and Bracwell ran in for a quick single, and in the meantime, Kishan collected the ball quickly. He showed his presence of mind and lodged a direct hit toward the strikers’ end. Kishan’s throw was right on target as he caught Bracewell just short of his crease despite a desperate attempt by the batter to drag the bat inside the crease.
Here is the video:
Bang on 🎯
How about that for a run-out! 🙌 🙌
Watch @ishankishan51's direct-hit to dismiss Michael Bracewell 🔽
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— BCCI (@BCCI) January 27, 2023
Coming back to the match, New Zealand posted 176/6 in 20 overs after exciting half-centuries from Devon Conway (52 off 35) and Mitchell (59 off 30). In response, the Men in Blue could only manage to reach 155/9 to lose the opening encounter by 21 runs. New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner exhibited a game-changing bowling where he took 2 wickets for just 11 runs in his quota of 4 overs, including a maiden.
For the home team, Washington Sundar was the only bright performer who came up with his outstanding all-round show. After picking up a couple of wickets and taking a brilliant catch, Sundar smashed a scintillating 50 from 28 deliveries.
