NZ vs IND, 2nd ODI: Shaw, Agarwal could have a grand second outing

The first ODI of the three-match series between India and New Zealand turned out to be a pretty special occasion for Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal as both made their debut together, thus becoming only the fourth Indian pair to do so.

The duo got off to a good start as well. They notched up a 50-run stand while opening the innings for India. However, they departed immediately after bringing up their 50-run stand. While Shaw was out for a 21-ball knock of 20 on the last delivery of the eighth over, Agarwal got dismissed for a 31-ball innings of 32 runs on the fourth delivery of the ninth over.

These weren’t big scores, but the duo didn’t look uncomfortable, or nervous, even more a moment at the crease. On top of that, they went on to smash a combined total of nine boundaries as well. So that sums up the kind of touch they were in. Both got starts but failed to convert them into big scores. But their performance at the domestic level, and for India A, reveals that they aren’t someone who like to miss out on opportunities twice.

And that’s why they would be eager to start off in the second ODI from where they left in the first match at Hamilton. Both of them would be eyeing big scores and considering the nature of the Eden Park pitch, and the small ground dimensions, they have every chance of doing so.

As far as their List-A records go, Agarwal has 4031 runs to his name at a superb average of 49.15. His strike-rate of 100.95 is also something worth looking at. And he has 13 centuries and 15 fifties to go with that as well. These numbers sum up how good a batsman he is in this format.

Shaw isn’t far behind as well. The 20-year-old has amassed 1320 runs in 31 List-A matches so far at an excellent average of 42.58 and a strike-rate (118.91) which is even better than that of Agarwal. His tally of four tons and seven fifties is testimony of his ability of scoring big as well.

These numbers also go on to show how confident these two players are. The consistency visible in their List-A averages suggests why they won’t miss out in the next match at Auckland.

Written by: Prasenjit Dey