Krunal Pandya recently played his first game on Kiwis shores. Photo Credit: Getty Images.
The newcomer for the Men in Blue Krunal Pandya has appealed for ‘obstruction the field’ during the Kiwis innings in recent-concluded India vs New Zealand 2019 Twenty20 International (T20I) opener of the three-match series on Wednesday at Westpac Stadium in Wellington. Kiwis gloveman Tim Seifert, who stood his ground, was involved in the latest incident.
The incident happened when the Baroda-based left-arm orthodox spinner was bowling ninth over of Indian innings. On the penultimate delivery of the particular over, a new man in Kane Williamson chipped the ball which lobbed towards the non-striker Seifert as Krunal attempted to take a catch in his follow through.
However, Seifert, who was not at fault, saw Krunal, in all probability appealing for a couple of times for obstructing the field. But the on-field umpire remains unmoved.
Interestingly, Pandya brothers were playing for the first time in the same international fixture on Kiwis shores.
That time around, the Black Caps score read as 87 for one in 8.5 overs. For the first wicket, Colin Munro and Seifert recorded 86-run partnership for the first wicket in 8.2 overs.
The 24-year-old batsman Seifert turned back towards Krunal only to avoid contact with the ball which saw him judiciously making his crease without any fuss.
Seifert, who stood his ground became the top score with 43-ball 84. His knock included seven boundaries and six sixes under his belt.
Earlier, Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma asked the Black Caps to bat first. While cashing in on the opportunity, the hosts put 219 for six on the board. In response, India could post 139 in 19.2 overs. Rohit said they were outclassed in the first T20I.
Thus, India lost the game by 80 runs which is the biggest loss in terms of runs for the Men in Blue in the T20 cricket.
On February 8, Eden Park in Auckland will host the second and penultimate T20I between New Zealand and India.
Williamson-led side leads the series 1-0.