Once again India showed dominance over New Zealand to beat them comprehensively in the 3rdth century and 2nd as Captain to guide India to chase down the target of 225 for victory comfortable with more than 10 overs in the bag for the Indians. ODI at Raliance Stadium, Vadodara to take an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the five match one day series. Gautam Gambhir continued where he has left in Jaipur and scored his 9
Alongwith Gambhir, Virat Kohli also continued his good 2010 show with the bat as he scored fluent unbeaten 63 runs and put on unbroken partnership of 114 runs for the 2nd wicket to give India an easy 9 wicket victory over New Zealand.
Today's win, India's ninth successive ODI victory over New Zealand, left the remaining two matches in the five-match series in Bangalore (December 7) and Chennai (December 10) just mere contests of academic interest.
Chasing the modest target of 225 runs for victory set by New Zealanders, India got off to flying start with M.Vijay (30 runs off 50 balls) and Gautam Gambhir (126 runs off 117 balls) put yet another solid 115 runs for the first wicket before Vijay being run out.
Earlier Gautam Gambhir won an all important toss to put New Zealand into bat with the condition was slight in favor of the bowlers. New Zealand made a disastrous start by losing their openers within the first five overs and were struggling at 106/7 before Franklin (72 not out off 108 balls) and Nathan McCullum (43 runs off 53 balls) staged the recovery act with a stand of 94 runs for the eighth wicket.
From India Zaheer, Ashwin and Pathan picked two wickets each while Munaf Patel picked one wicket of K.Williamson.
Now India has nothing to loose in the next two games and they might try other option like Rohit Sharma, S.Tiwary as well as other bowlers warming the bench since last few games.
Gautam Gambhirwas declared Player of the Match for his superb unbeaten 126 runs off just 117 balls.
