Despite trailing 0-2 against New Zealand, Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is confident of India making a comeback in from their do-or-die situation in the five-match ODI series
India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (centre) celebrates the wicket of Nathan McCullum with teammates during the second ODI against NZ in Hamilton on Wednesday. Pic/Getty Images.
Auckland: Indian medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said the team was focussed ahead of their do-or-die third ODI against New Zealand here today. The ‘Men in Blue’ trail 0-2 in the five-match series.
India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (centre) celebrates the wicket of Nathan McCullum with teammates during the second ODI against NZ in Hamilton on Wednesday. Pic/Getty Images.
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“There is no extraordinary pressure on us. We are confident of doing well. To win this match, we just need to be focussed on the game. We are not overconfident about winning, just confident enough. If we can win, it will lift us enough to even win three matches in a row and win the series,” he said.
New Zealand have done well to combat the Indian bowling attack in the middle overs which has allowed their batsmen to attack at the death. “The middle overs are not a weakness. New Zealand have just played better cricket than us. We have just been focussing on keeping the run-rate down and we haven’t been able to get wickets. We need to keep working on that,” he said.
New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee said the hosts would aim to improve consistency as they aim for a series win. “We have always been competitive in limited-overs cricket. We have shown we can beat anyone on our day. It is the consistency we are starting to show. We are not where we want to be. We are starting to get there. Good sides win series consistently and that is where we want to get,” said Southee.
Raina injured
Meanwhile, Suresh Raina picked up a blow to his elbow in the nets which has rendered him doubtful for the must-win match against the Kiwis today. His condition will be assessed before the match and the decision taken accordingly was the word from the Indian camp.
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