India drub NZ in Emerging Players by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	V Kohli, AM Rahane, P Sangwan, PG Fulton
Event:	Cricket Australia Emerging Players Tournament 2009

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DateLine: 25th July 2009

 

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane starred in a 205-run stand to guide India to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand.

 

After restricting the Black Caps to a modest 228 for nine wickets in their second one-dayer of the Emerging Players Tournament, India propelled by Rahane (95 off 115 balls) and Kohli's (115 off 108) brilliance and reached the target with seven wickets in hand in 41.3 overs.

 

Kohli struck five boundaries and as many sixes in his breezy innings, while Rahane hit 10 fours and cleared the fence once.

 

Having been sent in to bat, New Zealand made an ominous start to their innings with left-arm pacer Pradeep Sangwan dismissing both the Kiwi openers, Jeev Raval and Martin Guptil. Both the batsmen were caught behind by Wriddhiman Saha, leaving the Kiwis tottering at 11 for two.

 

Then Peter Fulton (122 off 143 balls) and Kane Williamson (40 off 60) resurrected the New Zealand innings, stitching together a 116-run stand for the third wicket which laid the foundation for the 200-plus score.

 

Interestingly, Fulton failed to hit a single boundary, leave alone a six in his 122-run innings.

 

Sangwan was the most impressive bowler for India, picking up five wickets for 40 runs from his 10 overs.

 

In reply India slumped to 25 for two very soon losing Vijay (2) and skipper S Badrinath, who failed to open his account.

 

But then Kohli and Rahane blossomed in each other's company to ensure a comfortable victory for their side.