Boult, Neesham make early statement
New Zealand kept one of the strongest top-order line-ups in the tournament to less than 200. They then completed the chase of 180 in 37.1 overs for a six-wicket win. Ravindra Jadeja entertained the partisan crowd with a quick 54 off 50 balls. But with the experienced Williamson and Taylor as steady as ever, the target was a comfortable one.
Look who are at The Oval β @thebharatarmy! π
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 25, 2019
They seem to be warming up with team India ahead of the big tournament! #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/g0XK26k4XU
Choosing to bat at a packed Oval on Saturday, 25 May, India were shaken early by the pace and movement of New Zealand's bowlers, especially Boult. The left-arm pacer struck in his second delivery of the day, getting one to swing back in to rap Rohit Sharma on the pads.
The next over, he had Shikhar Dhawan edge one through to the wicket-keeper, the decision given on review, while KL Rahul chopped onto the stumps β India had lost three wickets inside the first 10 overs.
CWC19 WU4: Ind v NZ β Mid-innings interview, Trent Boult
It soon became 39/4 when Virat Kohli, who began in style, was bowled by Colin de Grandhomme in his opening over. Two wickets for Neesham in the 20th over rocked India just when MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya had begun to stabilise things. Jadeja's 62-run ninth-wicket stand with Kuldeep Yadav was vital to affording the total some stability.
Jasprit Bumrah began well, sending Munro back in the second over. The classy Williamson and Taylor, however, picked their gaps to keep the scoreboard ticking in a third-wicket stand worth 114. Williamson made 67 off 87 balls while Taylor contributed 71 off 75, falling with the target in sight.
Howzaaaaaaaaat?!#CWC19 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/20JCjAuXGN
— ICC (@ICC) May 25, 2019
For India, Vijay Shankar, who picked up a niggle during training, and Kedar Jadhav sat out. The 2011 champions will next play Bangladesh on 28 May in Cardiff, while New Zealand take on West Indies the same day in Bristol in their final warm-up games.