‘Enthralling game of cricket’ – Fan in awe as India survive Michael Bracewell scare to win first ODI against New Zealand

India and New Zealand locked horns at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Both teams were coming series against the Asian sides. The Blackcaps beat Pakistan in the Asian country. On the other hand, the Men In Blue clean-swept Sri Lanka at home. Meanwhile, in the game, the Rohit Sharma-led side won the toss and elected to bat first.

The decision had a mixed result to start as the home team lost three wickets for 110 runs. Sharma got out after scoring 34 runs. On the other hand, former India skipper Virat Kohli had a rare failure as far as the last few months are concerned. He could only score eight runs. Ishan Kishan, who played in place of Shreyas Iyer, could only manage five runs.

At this stage, Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill stitched a partnership of 65 runs. At 31 off 26 balls, the former looked like making an impact. However, a tame dismissal at short cover ended his ambitions. After this, Gill and Hardik Pandya added 74 runs for the fifth wicket. After the latter’s wicket, Gill took the initiative to keep the scoring going.

In the end, The Punjab player went on to score his maiden double-hundred. His innings ensured India reached a total of 349/8.

Micheal Bracewell and Mitchell Santner made the match out of it

In reply, the Tom Latham-led side had a horrendous start. They lost six wickets for 131 runs with Finn Allen (40) showing some resistance. At this stage, it looked like the home team would easily win the game. However, all-rounders such as Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell stitched a partnership of 162 runs to keep the team in the game. The former scored 57 before getting out to Mohammed Siraj.

This was a sigh of relief for India as the game was going away from them. Siraj ended with a four-for as he took out Henry Shipley. On the other hand, Bracewell scored his maiden ODI hundred. However, his innings of 140 off 78 balls couldn’t prevent his side losing the game by 12 runs.

This is how Twitter reacted

Top hundred this, Michael Bracewell. Keeping this contest alive single-handedly.

— Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) January 18, 2023

https://twitter.com/IrfanPathan/status/1615746355930230784?s=20

India have defeated New Zealand by 12 runs.

What a crazy game and what a mad knock from Michael Bracewell!

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 18, 2023

One of the best, and most valiant knock by Bracewell! No matter what the Kiwis don’t just give up. India would be relieved #IndvNZ

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 18, 2023

Michael Bracewell makes it his night, albeit falling 3 hits short of making it the Black Caps' night as well. Shubman Gill's party isn't spoilt #INDvsNZ

— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) January 18, 2023

What a utility player Michael Bracewell is for NZ. #INDvNZ

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) January 18, 2023

Enthralling game of cricket in Hyderabad #INDvNZ and @braceyourself10 playing the innings of his life but just short for the @BLACKCAPS @BCCI needed the 208 from @ShubmanGill (next highest score was 34!) to lay the foundation for the win.#INDvNZ

— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) January 18, 2023

https://twitter.com/BeingIshanCric/status/1615747922041372673?s=20

It doesn't matter who does what, 100, 200, anything.

The Lord will have the last word.

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) January 18, 2023

All cricket lovers have to stand and admire the effort of Michael Bracewell. What an amazing hundred. When we see an Innings like this from most over hyped one day players. Siraj is troubling him. #INDvsNZ #INDvNZ #MichealBracewell #Santner #ShubmanGill #Cricket #CricketTwitter

— Wasay Habib (@wwasay) January 18, 2023