We Were Nervous to Bat on a Damp Pitch After the Toss: Virat Kohli

Take a look at what Virat Kohli said after India’s T20 series win over New Zealand.

Virat Kohli speaks to Sanjay Manjrekar after the third T20 against New Zealand.

(Photo: BCCI)

India’s captain Virat Kohli said that the bowler-friendly conditions made them "nervous" after losing the toss before prevailing against New Zealand in the series-deciding third T20 in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

India beat New Zealand by six runs in the rain-curtailed match to claim the series 2-1. India had beaten the Kiwis in ODIs with the same scoreline.

I think we were really happy to get a game. This crowd deserved to watch some action. Ever since the ODIs started, we expected them to give a good fight. We were nervous to start here, with the damp pitch.

Virat Kohli

India made 67 for five and in response Kiwis could only reach 61 for six in eight overs.

Hardik Pandya plays a shot during the third T20 against New Zealand.(Photo: BCCI)

Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball, striking twice and bowling the all important penultimate over of the game. He ended with figures of two for nine in two overs.

We thought if we can take the required run-rate up, it’s not going to be so easy. Rohit and MS (Dhoni) came up with Bumrah bowling the second last, and Hardik Pandya bowled the last over well. When Hardik got hurt, I was thinking god forbid if I had to bowl the last four balls.

Virat Kohli

"We have won a few on the trot and it makes us very proud. This stadium is beautiful, the outfield wonderful and the crowd made it special. I am surprised there were no games here earlier," he added.

The Greenfield Stadium hosted its first ever international match.

Kane Williamson in action.(Photo: BCCI)

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said India showed they are one of the best teams in the world by winning the pressure games regularly.

It was a tricky surface and runs on board on that surface was handy. It came down to the couple of deliveries. Shame to not get across the line in this decider. As soon as you ran your fingers on the ball, it made life difficult.

Kane Williamson

"In this part of the world, wickets can be flat. We showed good fight. You have to be on top of their game to win here, they are one of the best teams in the world. I think there have been number of strides forward for us. Fairly new group and it's not easy, guys coming here for the first or second time. It's a tough place to play," he added.

Also Read: Bumrah Stars in India’s 6-Run Victory Over NZ in Decisive T20

(With inputs from PTI)

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