'We hit the right areas' - Hardik Pandya opens up on India's sensational bowling in the second ODI against NZ

Hardik Pandya (Source - Twitter)

Team India were all over New Zealand in the second ODI in Raipur as they bundled them out for just 108. Indian bowlers were relentless on the kiwis as Mohammed Shami picked up 3/18 in 6 overs while Pandya picked up 2/16 in his six. Talking about his brilliant performance with the ball during the mid-innings break, Hardik said that his body is adapting to ODI cricket.

The all rounder has been in tremendous form with both bat and ball ever since his return to the side after leading the Gujarat franchise to the Indian T20 League title win in 2022. The 29-year-old picked the crucial wickets of Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner in the second ODI. He also put his quick reflexes on display as he grabbed a low catch on his own bowling to dismiss Conway.

“A brilliant day to be honest, we used the wicket rightly and everything went well for us. That wasn’t bad at all (on the return catch)," Pandya told broadcasters during the mid-innings break.

The all-rounder was satisfied with his bowling and fitness for the 50-over format after missing out on several matches in 2021 due to his fitness issues.

“I am just getting used to bowling in ODIs again, my body is feeling better with every match, it’s coming on nicely and timely as well," he added.

One of those days when the edges went to the fielders: Hardik Pandya

“We hit the right areas, kept testing the batters, one of those days when the edges went to the fielders and we grabbed the catches. This isn’t a 108-run wicket, but we took all our chances, Let the batters decide on how to bat, at the end of the day, it’s their call on how to chase this down," Hardik concluded.

In reply to New Zealand’s total, India chased down the target of 109 in 20.1 overs. Indian captain Rohit Sharma scored a magnificent half-century as he was dismissed for 51 off 50 balls while Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 40. With this win, India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The third and final ODI of the series will be played on 24^th January at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.