Wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal continued to torment New Zealand batsmen after a collective batting effort, guiding India to an emphatic 90-run win in the second ODI on Saturday, celebrating India's 70th Republic day in style. The Men in Blue now lead the five-match series 2-0.
It was a historic win for India as they claimed their biggest ever win on New Zealand soil and won their first ever match on Republic Day.
Lauding the Men in Blue's performance, Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter to heap praise on the Virat Kohli led Team India, especially on the spin duo- Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. The Master Blaster felt that many sides would find it difficult to score against the spin duo.
'India have been convincing yet again today to go 2 up in the series. The opening partnership was the key & bowlers did the rest. Most sides will have to find a way to score runs against @yuzi_chahal & @imkuldeep18 & not lose too many wickets in the middle overs. #NZvIND', Tendulkar wrote on his Twitter handle.
Opting to bat in the 2nd ODI, India piled up a challenging 324 for 4 riding on Rohit Sharma (87) and Shikhar Dhawan (66)'s fluent half-centuries. There were significant contributions from captain Virat Kohli (43), Ambati Rayudu (47) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (48 not out).
Kuldeep (4/45 in 10 overs) and Chahal (2/52 in 9.2 overs) shared bulk of the spoils. Ditto in the opener, Kuldeep took four wickets while Chahal accounted for two.
The Men in Blue will look to clinch the five-match series in the 3rd ODI in Mount Maunganui which will begin January 28 from 7.30 AM IST.
(With PTI Inputs)
