NZ aim to extend perfect T20 record against India

AFP, NEW DELHI: Big-hitting batsman Colin Munro believes New Zealand's perfect Twenty20 record against India will inspire confidence as the Kiwis try to rebound from losing a one-day series.

The Kiwis have won all five of the T20 matches they have played against India. Having never won a Test or one-day series in India, the T20 record is one they will be anxious to keep when a series starts Wednesday in New Delhi.

India were stretched in the three one-day internationals by Kane Williamson's side, but prevailed in a thrilling final contest Sunday to take the series 2-1.

Munro, who top-scored for the Black Caps with a 62-ball 75 in the third clash, is hoping the team rediscovers its winning ways in New Delhi.

“Everyone looks forward to T20. I think it's a lot of fun, we enjoy it and we have been lucky enough in the last couple of years to be successful in it,” Munro said.

“We have a good record against India so we are looking forward to this one. Hopefully we can get off to a good start,” the left-handed opener added.

After two disappointing performances, Munro dazzled with the bat in his team's near-miss chase of 338 at Kanpur's Green Park on Sunday.

But the 30-year-old batsman is wary of India's new-ball pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, who was instrumental in blocking the visitors' run chase.

“The big challenge for me was just actually finding a good tempo to bat at. I'd like to say that I want to go and blast off in the first 10 overs but it's not always going to be the case, especially when you are playing against Bhuvi and Bumrah,” said Munro.

“They are probably two of the best opening bowlers in these conditions,” he added.

Munro, who has been in and out of the limited-overs team since making his debut in 2012, said valuable advice from former captain Brendon McCullum lifted his confidence ahead of the series decider.

“It is a funny one, actually, because after the second game I wouldn't say I was down but I hadn't got off to a start I wanted to while opening the batting, so I sent him a text message to ask him his thoughts and let him know what I was thinking,” said Munro.

“And again he came out and said, 'Mate, you know you got a good record in T20 and the way you play at the top of the order. If you can, try and implement that in the ODI game'.”

The Delhi opener will also be Indian paceman Ashish Nehra's farewell match at his home ground at Feroz Shah Kotla.

NZ aim to extend perfect T20 record against India

AFP, NEW DELHI: Big-hitting batsman Colin Munro believes New Zealands perfect Twenty20 record against India will inspire confidence as the Kiwis try to rebound from losing a one-day series. The Kiwis have won all five of the T20 matches they have played against India. Having never won a Test or one-day series in India, the T20 record is one they will be anxious to keep when a series starts Wednesday in New Delhi. India were stretched in the three one-day internationals by Kane Williamsons side, but prevailed in a thrilling final contest Sunday to take the series 2-1. Munro, who top-scored for the Black Caps with a 62-ball 75 in the third clash, is hoping the team rediscovers its winning ways in New Delhi. Everyone looks forward to T20. I think its a lot of fun, we enjoy it and we have been lucky enough in the last couple of years to be successful in it, Munro said. We have a good record against India so we are looking forward to this one. Hopefully we can get off to a good start, the left-handed opener added. After two disappointing performances, Munro dazzled with the bat in his teams near-miss chase of 338 at Kanpurs Green Park on Sunday. But the 30-year-old batsman is wary of Indias new-ball pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, who was instrumental in blocking the visitors run chase. The big challenge for me was just actually finding a good tempo to bat at. Id like to say that I want to go and blast off in the first 10 overs but its not always going to be the case, especially when you are playing against Bhuvi and Bumrah, said Munro. They are probably two of the best opening bowlers in these conditions, he added. Munro, who has been in and out of the limited-overs team since making his debut in 2012, said valuable advice from former captain Brendon McCullum lifted his confidence ahead of the series decider. It is a funny one, actually, because after the second game I wouldnt say I was down but I hadnt got off to a start I wanted to while opening the batting, so I sent him a text message to ask him his thoughts and let him know what I was thinking, said Munro. And again he came out and said, Mate, you know you got a good record in T20 and the way you play at the top of the order. If you can, try and implement that in the ODI game. The Delhi opener will also be Indian paceman Ashish Nehras farewell match at his home ground at Feroz Shah Kotla.