Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah relished the Player of the Match award, as India sealed a seven-run victory over New Zealand in Sunday's fifth and final T20I at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
The result gave India a five-nil series win. Two of the victories were decided by one-over eliminators. New Zealand and India will soon contest an ODI series. Bet365 have New Zealand and India priced at 2.75 and 1.44, respectively, to win Wednesday's first ODI in Hamilton.
Bumrah claimed figures of three for 12 in four overs on Sunday. His haul included the key dismissals of the dangerous Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell.
What Bumrah said
“I am feeling very good. The match got close at one point, but we had belief that if we can squeeze in one or two good overs, the match can get close. It was windy, I was trying to use the wind and the longer side of the boundary. I am very happy with the learnings, different ground dimensions, first time in New Zealand; great result,” said Bumrah.
Wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul captained India in the absence of the experienced Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Kohli was rested, while Sharma was nursing a calf injury.
What Rahul said
“I am very pleased. It is great to be standing here with a five-nil win. We have been playing exceptional T20 cricket, to come here and execute our skills every game, to have squeezed out wins, is a confidence booster. The onus is on finding different ways to win. Rohit is alright. It is an unfortunate injury, hopefully he should be fine in a couple of days,” added Rahul.
Bumrah in IPL and T20 World Cup
Right-armer Bumrah will represent the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League later this year. Mumbai are the reigning champions, having beaten the Chennai Super Kings in last year's IPL final. Their four IPL titles is the most among all franchises.
Bumrah is also in contention for a berth in India's squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. India have been pooled with South Africa, England, Afghanistan and two qualifying teams for the tournament. India won the inaugural World Twenty20 (since renamed the T20 World Cup) in South Africa in 2007. They beat Pakistan in that final. India will host the T20 World Cup in 2021.
