T20 World Cup: In terms of boundaries, India clocks unwanted record vs NZ

The Indian cricket team were restricted to a paltry 110/7 in 20 overs by a potent New Zealand bowling unit in a Super 12 group 2 match of the ICC men’s T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 31. With the batting done and dusted, the responsibility of notching up a win will be on the Indian bowling unit.

Winning the toss, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson invited India to bat, a decision that was fruitful for the WTC winner.

In a virtual do-or-die contest, India included young Ishan Kishan in the playing XI in place of Suryakumar Yadav. The left-handed batsman, who did well in the warm-up games, was expected to stand tall and deliver. Negating New Zealand’s left-arm pace attack was also a priority.

However, New Zealand pacer Trent Boult struck in the 3rd over to remove the left-hander and draw first blood. At the end of the power play, India were able to put 35/2 on board. This was the third-lowest PP total in Dubai in night games.

Struggling to score runs and hit boundaries, India were dealing in singles and doubles as they kept the scoreboard ticking.

In doing this, India registered an unwanted record, in terms of boundaries scored. The New Zealand bowling unit was so good that India failed to find the boundary rope till the 16.6 over.

 When Ravindra Jadeja hit Trent Boult for a boundary on the leg side, that marked India’s first boundary since ball 5.1.

This is also the first time in T20 World Cup that any team has failed to hit a boundary in between overs 6 and 15.

In total, India hit 8 boundaries and two sixes. While three boundaries were scored by KL Rahul (18 off 16 balls), Jadeja (26 not out off 19 balls) hit two. The sixes were hit by Rohit Sharma (14 off 14 balls) and Jadeja.

India also recorded its 2nd lowest total in T20 World Cups:

79 vs NZ, Nagpur 2016

110/7 vs NZ, Dubai 2021*

118/8 vs SA, Nottingham 2009

130/4 vs SL, Mirpur 2014