IND vs NZ 2023: I just try to focus on maintaining the right lines and lengths – Mohammed Shami

India’s pack leader Mohammed Shami was delighted after he bowled a perfect spell against New Zealand in the second ODI at Raipur on Saturday. Shami got the ball to move both ways as he breathed down the neck of the opposition batters with his accuracy.

Shami dismissed Finn Allen in the first over with the ball coming back into the right-hander. The fast bowler then took accounted for Daryl Mitchell with a sharp caught and bowled. Shami then returned to get the important wicket of Michael Bracewell, who had scored a scintillating knock of 140 runs in the opening game.

Ergo, Shami returned with impressive figures of 3-18 in the six overs he bowled. New Zealand was bundled out for a meager total of 108 after they were put into bat by Rohit Sharma and Shami played a key role in the same. Shami was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine bowling performance.

Shami said he is happy with the way he is bowling in the PowerPlay overs and making the most of the new ball.

The veteran pacer said in the post-match presentation, “Whenever I start, I just focus on maintaining the right lines and lengths. But it does happen sometimes that you bowl well and yet don’t get wickets. On other days you may not be in rhythm, and will still get wickets. That happens. I feel that the more you work with the ball in practice, the more success will come. I never thought I’d get to have a proper seam position and it gives me joy to see the seam upright as it goes in the air. As a new-ball bowler, it’s important to assess the conditions and pass the message quickly to the other bowlers as well.”

On the other hand, Shubman Gill also continued his good form as he scored an unbeaten knock of 40 runs in the run-chase of 109.

Gill said after the game, “It was a good opportunity for me to stay unbeaten in the middle. There was a little in it for the fast bowlers in the second innings, thought there would be more when we saw them bat, but there wasn’t a lot (when we batted). But it was turning and gripping for the spinners. It’s always a dream to bat with Rohit bhai, has learned a lot batting along with him. Me and Ishan Kishan) are best mates, we spend a lot of time off-field together, it was great to spend some time batting together.”

India has taken an impregnable lead of 2-0 in the series and the third ODI will be played at Indore on Tuesday.