Pacer Harshal Patel expressed happiness after starring in India’s defeat of New Zealand on Friday as the hosts beat the visitors by seven wickets in the 2nd T20I in Ranchi to seal the series.
The debutant scalped two wickets to help restrict New Zealand to 153/6.
"The match did run through. When you are in the process you just get engrossed. It will sink in and it has been a great game. I couldn't have asked for a better debut. The progress is gradual and slow. For someone like me who is not exceptionally talented, I had to build my game from ground up. I made mistakes and then found things that I can and cannot do well. It has been a great journey and has taught me many lessons which will hold me in good stead even after cricket," said Harshal Patel in a post-match presentation.
Talking about his bowling, Harshal added: "I feel you don't need too many variations. You just need to know what works for you and need to package it well. I couldn't bowl those yorkers and loopy slower ones in these conditions. The yorker is a delivery I would like to use and get better at. I have seen myself fall into shiny things so many times. It is another platform for me to come, perform and show my skills. Just want to do that and enjoy whatever comes my way," he added.
Chasing 154 for victory, KL Rahul (65) and Rohit Sharma (55) starred with the bat as India chased down the target of 154 to defeat New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I of the three-match series here at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi on Friday.
Before the match, Harshal expressed happiness after being included in the playing eleven for Friday’s T20 International against New Zealand, in Ranchi, saying it’s an honour to be representing the country.
"It's a great feeling playing for the country. I love the game and the ultimate goal for any player is to play for the country. It’s an honour, it's a privilege and I'm not going to take it for granted," said Harshal during the innings break.
"Rahul (Dravid) sir has always told me that once you are done with the preparations, you gotta go out there and enjoy the game.
“After 9-10 years of domestic cricket, and on the back of a good IPL, I've reached here. So it's a satisfying moment for me," he added.
India’s bowlers, led by debutant Harshal (2 for 25) put up a brilliant display, to restrict New Zealand to just 153 for 6.
The trio of Harshal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar kept the batters in check as New Zealand scored just 15 runs from the last three overs.
This after Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin had put the brakes on an attacking display by the New Zealand openers.
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