In 2002, a then very experienced and world beating ODI team beast India 5-2 in a 7 ODI series on New Zealand soil. India in those days were a fragile unit (that got better). In 2008/09 India came to NZ and beat us 3-1. In 2010/2011 we visited their shores and were hammered 5-0.
So in essence, in 12 years after that thumping we did to them, we have won 1, lost 8. Now as we also well know this year, the current World Champions are on our shores and set to deal with us once again. So the first vital match saw India set to annihilate us again. Sure 292 on any wicket is a pass score, but at Napier, 300+ is a toughie.
So how did we win this crucial match? Once again, as seen in two WI ODI matches, it's a team effort. In the recent past we have had some players that have held the team together, but now we seem to be having players stepping up and making the grade. When one fails, two step up.
The crucial thing for me in this game was Southees bowling. Those two maidens to open his account were priceless, and he continued it on in his later overs, not maidens as such, but pressure. He tied up an end while the likes of McLenaghan reaped the rewards. The batting was good and steady, but the bowling and fielding won this game, even while Kohli and Dhoni prospered, they were always chasing and eventually the pressure told.
Adam Milne's injury is a curse, but I don't see it troubling the NZ team going forward. The key now is to back it up in Hamilton (likely to be raining) and go 2 up in a critical point. Consistency means rewards and rewards are gained by them playing good cricket in a consistent manner. They almost had that going versus the WI, but now to put it into practice versus those World Champions and a chance to stick it up not only India, but Australia and England.
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