Good to end on a winning note: Franklin
First Published : 12 Sep 2012, 13:24
Last Modified : 12 Sep 2012, 13:24
Chennai, Sep 11: James Franklin bowled a brilliant last over to help New Zealand pip India at the post in the second T20I at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here. The left-arm pacer held his nerve to help his team register their only win on the tour as he prevented the hosts from getting 13 runs from six balls with two set batsmen, Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni, at the crease. A relived Franklin briefly spoke to the press about the win and his bowling after the match.
Excerpts:
On winning the game
It has been a tough tour for us. We did badly in the Tests, but this is definitely something we will celebrate. It is good to end on a winning note.
On the pitch and NZ’s plan for defending the target
The pitch was slowing down a bit and shot-making was becoming increasingly difficult. Our plan after Virat's [Kohli] dismissal was to not let the new batsman settle in and get the required run-rate up and try to induce mistakes from them.
On whether they were concerned when MS Dhoni was at the crease
Dhoni is a big hitter, but the ball was gripping and stopping a bit on the batsmen; it was about bowling cleverly.
On India winning the toss and opting to field
Honestly, India's decision to field raised a few eyebrows in our camp. Having had the experience of playing the IPL here, we always knew it was a win the toss and bat first pitch.
