Watch: Daryl Mitchell smashed Arshdeep Singh for three sixes in a row, including one off a free hit, to end New Zealand’s innings on a high in the first T20I against India.
New Zealand, who were sent in to bat first in Ranchi, were 149-6 after 19 overs but ended with a healthy 176 after Mitchell struck 27 runs in the next six deliveries. The 20th over by Arshdeep Singh, began in the worst way possible for the hosts, with the quick starting off with a no ball, which was lofted over long-on by the batter. Arshdeep, who has sent down 15 no-balls in his career so far in 24 T20Is, including three in a row in the second T20I against Sri Lanka this year, was unable to control his length on the free-hit delivery to Mitchell, which was short and angled into his body. It was sent for another maximum, as New Zealand made 13 off one legal delivery.
The second legitimate ball of the over, bowled around the wicket, was too full, which Mitchell sent over long-on for an 86-metre six. It also brought up the batter’s fourth T20I ton, in only 26 balls.
The misery did not end for Arshdeep as he was hit for a fourth successive boundary, albeit a four. The low full toss was sliced on the off-side as the over changed the momentum of the game.
