WTC Final: IND vs NZ, Day 2 – India slightly ahead on rain-curtailed day

The rain gods showed some mercy on Day 2 of the WTC final between India and New Zealand as 64.4 overs were bowled in the day. At the end of the day, India will be the more pleased side with the way things turned out. The Indian batsmen adopted caution over aggression and went to stumps with their scorecard reading 146/3.

The two unbeaten batsmen at the crease for India were the captain and his deputy, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. For New Zealand, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner shared the spoils, picking up one wicket each. On that note, let us take a look at the three talking points from the day’s play.

3.Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane hold fort for India

After losing the top three batsmen, Kohli and Rahane stood firm at Southampton against the Kiwis. While Kohli scored a patient 44 off 124 deliveries, Rahane helped himself to a 79-ball 29. The experienced duo put on a partnership of 58 runs in testing conditions against a potent pace attack. The pair kept the bowlers at bay for 24.2 overs. Even though the all-out pace attack of the Blackcaps tried their best, they could not dislodge the defence of Kohli and Rahane.

2.India’s openers doing well in testing conditions

The ball was nipping around at Southampton, but the Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill played positive cricket. The duo put on a partnership of 62 runs for the opening wicket. While Rohit scored 34 off 68 deliveries, Gill scored a 64-ball 28.

These two batsmen set the platform for the likes of Kohli and Rahane to build on.

1.Virat Kohli’s dismissal appeal taken upstairs

Perhaps, the most talked-about thing on Day 2 (besides the rain factor) was the strange manner in which New Zealand’s appeal for Kohli’s wicket handled. The last ball of the 41st over resulted in some confusion on the field. Boult delivered a ball outside leg stump and Virat Kohli went for the flick. Boult was excited after hearing a sound and even though the DRS timer ran out for New Zealand, the umpires still went upstairs to seek a review. And, the Indian captain was not happy with this. However, Ultra Edge confirmed that there was no bat involved.