India had a shaky start in its bid to draw the three-match series against New Zealand at Christchurch on Wednesday after losing five wickets for 121. This match is crucial for the Men in Blue after the team lost the first ODI to the host nation. The second match was abandoned due to rains.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson opted to bowl after winning the toss. India's batting line faltered as the team lost three wickets - both openers Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan - while it was 23 in 39 balls. Pant departed for 10 runs off 16 balls after Daryl Mitchell trapped him in a bouncer.
Suryakumar Yadav fell for six runs on the ball of Adam Milne while Shreyas Iyer was out for 49 on the ball of Lockie Ferguson.
India retained the same playing XI that played the abandoned second ODI, while New Zealand brought in Adam Milne in place of Michael Bracewell.
The toss was delayed briefly due to a drizzle but no overs were lost.
Hosts New Zealand lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the opening ODI by seven wickets in Hamilton on November 25.
Teams:
India: Shikhar Dhawan (captain), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson.
(With inputs from PTI)
