Jacob Duffy, the New Zealand fast bowler, has pointed to the late start times in their recent series against India as “definitely a factor” in their difficulties defending scores. The five-match ODI series kicked off with India clinching a win in Auckland after restricting New Zealand to 185 runs. Rain intervened during the chase, with India reaching their revised target of 143 in just 32 overs, scoring at more than a run per ball. This marked the fourth occasion in five attempts where New Zealand couldn’t defend their total against India.
While the T20Is commenced at 8pm local time, the ODIs began at 3pm. “Everyone wins the toss and bowls first for a reason,” remarked Duffy, who claimed 3 for 49 at Eden Park. “I’m not saying it’s impossible to defend once you lose the toss, but moisture on the pitch due to rain can add to the challenges,” he explained. “The moisture reduces the tackiness and bounce, making the ball skid.”
On each occasion when New Zealand batted first, India opted to bowl after winning the toss. The only instance New Zealand defended their total was in the fourth T20I, where a record score of 259 proved too challenging for India.
Duffy acknowledged that 185 wasn’t a defendable total at Eden Park. Indian seamers Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, and Anshul Kamboj captured all nine New Zealand wickets taken by bowlers, with one out being a run-out. “They bowled really well, using the surface bounce effectively,” Duffy stated. “We didn’t start well with the bat and defending 185 is quite tough.”
Despite the low total, New Zealand managed to get five Indian wickets, securing three in quick succession after a second-wicket stand between Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. Although Duffy felt these breakthroughs were “probably too little, too late,” he saw positives, adding, “We showed intent for the series and aim to come back stronger.”
“This series isn’t over for us. We’re ready to show what we’re made of and put our stamp on the competition,” vowed Duffy, emphasising New Zealand’s commitment to the series despite setbacks.
