World T20: Batting Let us Down Against New Zealand, Says Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has bemoaned his batsmen's lack of application and said the "batting let them down" in India's shock 47-run loss to New Zealand in the World T20 Super 10s opener at Nagpur on Tuesday. (HIGHLIGHTS) (REPORT)

New Zealand, electing to bat, posted 126 for seven on a sluggish pitch. In response, India put on an abysmal display which resulted in them being bowled out for a humiliating 79 in 18.1 overs. This was their second lowest total in Twenty20 internationals and it was their fifth loss against New Zealand, taking the tally to 5-0 in T20 internationals.

"Batting let us down. It wasn't as if the pitch was unplayable, there were some soft dismissals," Dhoni said after the loss.  

"There were no partnerships in the middle. They bowled well but out batsmen could have applied more. It was a decent score but not impossible. The batting just let us down," added the Indian skipper.

Dhoni had taken a blow to his hand while wicketkeeping during the New Zealand innings but calmed fears of a major injury.

New Zealand registered their fifth win in Twenty20 internationals against India as they defeated them by 47 runs to continue their unbeaten streak.

© AFP

'Focus Was On Taking Wickets'

Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson praised his team's performance and said the focus was on taking wickets.

"It's a great win, especially to beat a tough side like India. The message to the bowling attack was that we knew the best way to take wicket is to be patient and apply pressure and we did that well."

"We knew that a decent score on this wicket would be tough to chase," said the Kiwis skipper.

Williamson said that it was a tough decision to leave out their two main strike bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult but the spinners exploited the conditions well.

"It was tough to leave out both Southee and Boult. There was a fair bit of turn on this wicket and the bowlers exploited it well."