How Kuldeep Stamped His Own Mystery Factor Early On In The Final

It was the wrong ‘un from India’s ‘other’ wrist spinner that gave India early advantage after New Zealand elected to bat in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday, Rohit Sharma’s wretched luck with the toss not having changed.

- Rasesh Mandani

DUBAI:

With all the focus on mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, New Zealand’s tormentor from their previous face-off, Rohit Sharma pressed Kuldeep Yadav into the attack at the end of the Powerplay.

Before Kuldeep, the Kiwi batters had won a mini battle. They had sped nicely in the Powerplay overs, reaching 69/1. Chakravarthy had delivered some early warning by getting a few to grip and beat the bat. He had even sent opener Will Young on his way, trapping him in front to end a 57-run opening partnership.

But Ravindra, New Zealand’s highest scorer in the competition, was looking in ominous touch.