Indian Cricket Team Updates

For the third consecutive time in the series, MS Dhoni won the toss, and for the third consecutive time he opted to field first. In fact, in two ODIs against South Africa also – where he won the toss – Dhoni had opted to field first. The result summary: 4 losses, one tie. (Also Read:  Report: New Zealand vs India, 3rd ODI ) Varun Aaron had last played for India against West Indies at Visakhapatnam on 02-12-2011. He missed 56 matches during that period. MS Dhoni was playing his 250th international match as captain. The break-up of his matches: 51 Tests, 157 ODIs and 42 T20Is. Dhoni became the first Indian and only the fifth player to do so, after Australia’s Ricky Ponting (324), New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming (303), South Africa’s Graeme Smith (283) and Australia’s Allan Border (271). Martin Guptill (111) made his fifth ODI ton – his first against India. Kane Williamson (65) made his third consecutive 50 in the series. He became the first New Zealand player to m...

With two runs required to win off the last ball, Ravindra Jadeja worked a Corey Anderson delivery to mid-off to take a single and tie the game, keeping the five-match ODI series alive. The all-rounder remained not out on 66. With India on 79 for four, while chasing 315, MS Dhoni led India's fight back. Ravichandran Ashwin joined in with a 46-ball 65, while Jadeja played a brave knock to tie the game. With two matches remaining, NZ lead the series 2-0.  (Also Read:  Stats Highlights: NZ vs Ind, 3rd ODI ) After the centurion Martin Guptill-led batting line-up set India a competitive target, Anderson helped keep the visitors in check with a five-wicket haul. However, Jadeja’s quick-fire innings, after Ashwin’s blitzkrieg, averted defeat.  Earlier, the Guptill-Kane Williamson pair put the hosts in a commanding position with a 153-run second-wicket partnership at Auckland. After getting off to a slow start, Guptill exploded after reaching his 50. In company of Kane...