NZ vs IND: Deepak Hooda sets new bowling record in India's massive win

Deepak Hooda celebrating a dismissal [Source: AP]

On Sunday, India decimated New Zealand by 65 runs in the second T20I to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Batting first, India posted a massive 191 on the board and defended it successfully to bag a clinical win. 

Interestingly, batting all-rounder Deepak Hooda emerged as India's wrecker-in-chief with the ball, registering prolific bowling figures of four for ten in 2.5 overs. In this process, the off-spinner set the record for the best bowling figures in a T20I between India and New Zealand, eclipsing the likes of Daniel Vettori, Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner. 

Best bowling figures in an IND vs NZ T20I

• Deepak Hooda: 4/10, Mount Maunganui, 2022
• Mitchell Santner: 4/11, Nagpur, 2016
• Daniel Vettori: 4/20, Johannesburg, 2007
• Trent Boult: 4/34, Rajkot, 2017
• Axar Patel: 3/9, Kolkata, 2021

Contrary to popular expectations, stand-in India captain Hardik Pandya didn't bowl a single delivery in the match. In fact, he used Deepak Hooda more than the regular skipper Rohit Sharma does and later revealed his wish to see more batters chipping in with a few overs in the shortest format. 

Regarding the series, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the must-win third T20I, as ace pacer Tim Southee is set to lead the hosts. The game will be played at McLean Park in Napier on Tuesday. 

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