Death-bowling concern for India ahead of second ODI

India’s Mohammed Siraj (second from left) applauds New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell (second from right) after his stunning knock of 140 off 78 balls in the first ODI at Hyderabad on Wednesday. Pic/PTI

India will be expecting more runs from the middle order and discipline in the death overs as they look for a series sealing win against New Zealand in the second ODI here on Saturday. After being down and out at 131 for six, New Zealand were allowed to score another 206 runs in the chase of 350 and that should worry India. The bowling department is in focus after the hiding the bowlers got from Michael Bracewell, who put the Indian attack to sword on Wednesday.

Thakur or Malik?

India brought Shardul Thakur into the team at the expense of the super quick Umran Malik considering his batting abilities. But the management needs to decide quickly if it wants a bowler, who can bat or a specialist, who can rattle the opposition with extra pace and get wickets in the middle overs.

Siraj has developed into an all phase bowler but others need to step up. Mohammed Shami was brilliant with the new ball but was taken to the cleaners by Bracewell. Hardik too was expensive.

Also read: Ind vs SL 2nd ODI: Will team India end the series on a winning note?

In the spin department, Washington Sundar had a game to forget while Kuldeep Yadav continued his impressive run. The team also has the option playing Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep together.

Slow over-rate

India would also be aiming to get their overs completed in time after being fined 60 per cent of its match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate in the first ODI in Hyderabad.

Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after India were ruled to be three overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration for Wednesday's series opener.

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