The Indian team has made it their name by winning the first two matches of the three-match T20 series against New Zealand. India captured the series by showing a strong game first in Jaipur and then in Ranchi. The youth have been given a chance in the team that came to play under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. Harshal Patel, who made his T20 debut in Ranchi, had a blast in the very first match and won the player of the match award.
Batting first in this match, New Zealand scored 153 runs for 6 wickets. In reply, India chased down the target of victory in 17.2 overs with the loss of 3 wickets, thanks to half-century innings from captain Rohit and vice-captain KL Rahul. Debutant Harshal, who bowled brilliantly, took 2 wickets for 25 runs in this match and was adjudged the player of the match.
Player of the Match in Debut Match-
Harshal is only the third bowler to be named Player of the Match in his debut match. Earlier, only two Indians were able to do this in their first T20 match. Balbinder Saran and Navdeep Saini also got this honor in the first match for their superb bowling. Saran took 4 wickets in the debut match against Zimbabwe in 2016. On the other hand, Saini made his T20 debut in 2019 by becoming the player of the match by taking three wickets against the West Indies.
Harshal instead of Siraj-
Harshal Patel, who did wonders in IPL, got a chance to play his first international match in Ranchi. Former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar handed over the Indian team cap to him in Ranchi. Patel was the highest wicket-taker in this season of IPL. He took 32 wickets while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore.