WTC Finals: Day 3, Session:1
India: 180/5 (78 Overs)
The New Zealand bowlers were all over the Indian batsmen especially Kyle Jamieson who was breathing out fire with his every delivery. Starting from an overnight score of 146/3, India lost skipper Virat Kohli for his overnight score of 44 with the score reading 149. Rishabh Pant walked in next and showed enough restrain but he too got out while opening his arms for 8.
The onus was on Ajinkya Rahane to bail his ream out of muddy waters and he looked good. On the bowler’s end was Neil Wagner who was trying his best to get a breakthrough. The new ball was due in a couple of overs and Rahane was batting at 47.
Over 78.2: Wagner bowls short and Rahane scoops it. The ball goes up in the air and falls in a no man's land. Rahane runs for a couple and reaches 49.
Williamson walks up to Wagner and Wagner probably asks him for an extra fielder in the leg side. Tom Latham who was standing in close moves to square leg and gets positioned by Wagner. The idea is clear. The upcoming 3 balls are going to be short pitched deliveries.
(The field placement to Rahane)
Over 78.3: Wagner bowls short and Rahane steers the ball straight to the square leg fielder and Latham makes no mistake. Rahane is out caught at 49. Rahane couldn't believe what he has done and he stands looking in disbelief. The short ball ploy has worked and Rahane takes a long walk back to the pavilion.
Wagner looks estatic and the Indian ship sinks further.