Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar said the pitch conditions in Lucknow in the second T20I against New Zealand were very exciting after the hosts registered a six-wicket win to level the series 1-1. Sundar was the first one to exploit the demons in the pitch in the second over he bowled.
From there on, it was evident that Hardik Pandya is going to attack with spinners. Sundar, who had impressed with both bat and ball in the first T20I, accounted for Devon Conway. It was a crucial wicket for India as Conway has been in good form in recent matches. Indian spinners bowled a total of 13 overs in which they took four wickets and conceded 53 runs.
Sundar returned with figures of 1-17 in the three overs he bowled. Meanwhile, the match went down to the wire as India needed 13 runs off the final two overs. However, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav were able to hold their nerves in the end as both of them scored one boundary each to get the home team over the line.
“All of us have been on our toes and I’m sure everyone in the stadium and people watching on TV as well, and you guys (commentators) as well would have been on toes, hoping that India would get through the line quite easily. It was very exciting (the conditions),” said Sundar after the game.
Sundar added that lots of teams are well-equipped after New Zealand spinners breathed down the neck of the Indian batters. The Kiwis bowled a total of 17 overs of spin and made it difficult for India to chase down 100 runs.
“Lots of teams are very well equipped, they all come with quite a few fast bowlers and spinners as well. 2/3 out of 10-11 games like these would be amazing and it’s again a skill as to how well you play spin and get through the game. It’s exciting and we are all happy that we won the game,” Sundar added.
Meanwhile, Sundar had to sacrifice his wicket after Suryakumar Yadav sold him down the river. Sundar scored 10 runs from nine balls.
“It was very important for him (SKY) to stay till the end and certain things like that happen in a game. Especially when things get quite tough in the middle, one misjudgment happens,” said Sundar.
The third and final T20I of the series will be played in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
