Dhoni blames batsmen for loss

India captain MS Dhoni criticised his team's batsmen for their "soft" dismissals after their 47-run loss to New Zealand at the World Twenty20.

The tournament hosts looked in a good position when they reduced New Zealand to 126-7, but they struggled against spin to be bowled out for just 79 in response in Nagpur on Tuesday.
Dhoni top-scored for India with 30, while only Virat Kohli (23) and Ravichandran Ashwin (10) also managed to reach double-figures.

The skipper was unhappy with the way his team batted in their opening encounter of the tournament.
"There were quite a few soft dismissals; there were no partnerships at all," Dhoni said.
"[Partnerships are] what's needed when you're scoring 120 or 125 runs chasing. We all knew the wicket was slightly on the slower side but the good thing is we still restricted them to a good score.
"I think 140 would have been a par score on a wicket like this, so I feel the bowlers did a good job by restricting them to 126.

"I felt it was the batting department that could have done slightly more at the wicket. I think every alternate over we lost one wicket and it becomes more and more difficult.
"Once the top order gets out, the batsman that comes in next - let's talk about the [number] five, six or seven, they have that pressure of one extra wicket falling so it seems as if the cricket has become very difficult.

"But what's important is that is the time to get some kind of partnership. Even if it's not big when it comes to the number of runs scored. It just gives that calmness to the dressing room and the batsman that's coming afterwards."

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WT20: New Zealand humbled hosts India by 47 runs

NAGPUR, India (Reuters) - Kane Williamson's gamble to compromise on speed and pick three specialist spinners paid off as New Zealand humbled hosts India by 47 runs in a spin-dominated Super 10 contest of the World Twenty20 on Tuesday.



Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted 126-7 in the Group Two contest on a prodigiously turning track at Nagpur's VCA Stadium, seemingly a below-par total against the host nation who are famed for their proficiency against spin bowling.
New Zealand's three-pronged spin attack, however, ensured it was more than enough as Mitchell Santner (4-11), Nathan McCullum (2-15) and the Indian-born Ish Sodhi (3-18) wrecked the hosts who folded for 79 in 18.1 overs.
Williamson said it was not an easy decision to drop the pace duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult to accommodate the spinners.
"Obviously that was tough, they are world class bowlers," the Kiwi captain said.

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ICC World T20, India vs New Zealand: Humdinger on cards as Dhoni's men take on Williamson-led Kiwis

After months of preparation from the teams, weeks of non-preparation from the organisers, the day many cricket fans have been waiting for is here. The first Super 10 match of the ICC World T20 2016 sees hosts and firm favorites, India take on New Zealand in what promises to be a cracker.

India come in to the tournament riding a wave of T20I success -- quite the contrast to the gloom surrounding the side after the whitewash in the hands of South Africa in October last year. New Zealand come into the tournament in good form as well after convincing series wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan in their own backyard.

Veteran cricket journalist Ayaz Memon, or Cricketwallah as he is known in the cricketing community, in conversation with Firstpost's Vinayakk Mohanrangan, preview the match between India and New Zealand in Nagpur.

"In my opinion, these are the two teams who must progress from this group, so whoever wins on Tuesday gets a head-start. It is not going to be easy for either team, but I expect a humdinger," Ayaz told Firstpost.

Talking about the explosive New Zealand batting lineup, Ayaz reserved special praise for Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson -- 'a class act in any format '-- the stars of the Kiwi batting lineup. He also spoke about the ability of Corey Anderson to change a game from the middle order.
'New Zealand's only weakness seems to be their spin bowling department. Mitchell Santner is good, but he is not established himself yet. They have a lethal fast bowling attack with Trent Boult, Tim Southee but spin is an area of concern," said Ayaz.

As for India, the only doubtful area in the starting XI seems to be between the returning Mohammad Shami and the man enjoying a swansong, Ashish Nehra.

'Given that India will be desperate to win the first match, they will want to go with a settled XI. It is up to Shami to force Dhoni's hands into picking him as he is the one making a comeback," said Ayaz.
While spin is New Zealand's weakness, it is undoubtedly India's strength. 'Not taking anything away from the faster bowlers, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja will need to be stellar bowlers for India,' Ayaz said.

The first match of the tournament-proper looks like a cracker by all accounts. When the two captains not known to flinch under pressure take the field on Tuesday for the toss, expect a massive roar from the Nagpur crowd that will dissolve all the uncertainties that have mired the build-up to this tournament.

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