India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his sides batting depth and preparation to unfurl big hits after securing a 48-run win over New Zealand in the T20I series opener at the VCA Stadium on Wednesday.

Indias batting had already set up for win in their build-up to next months T20 World Cup, with Abhishek Sharmas 84 and Rinku Singhs unbeaten 44 lifting them to 238/7 ndash; their highest T20I total against New Zealand. Chasing 239, New Zealand were reduced to 52/3, before Glenn Phillips kept them in contention with a fluent 78 off 40 balls, laced with four boundaries and six maximums.

Mark Chapman made 39 off 24 balls, as their 79-run partnership off 42 balls briefly raised hopes of a successful chase before both fell in quick succession, as New Zealand ended up making 190/7 in their 20 overs, giving India a 1-0 lead in the five-game series.

I think it#39;s always good when we get those numbers on the board, and if there#39;s a little bit of dew on the board, I think that#39;s a big positive. And the way we batted, even after we were put under pressure in the powerplay, we were 25-2, and then we took the game till the 15th over, and then we never stopped all the batters.

I mean, it looks good (to have eight batters). It#39;s been working for me as a team, and so if it#39;s working, let#39;s continue with that, he said at the conclusion of the game.

Reflecting on his own batting, Suryakumar said, I mean, I felt good when I went into bat. It was the perfect time for me to go into bat. Good pressure situation. I#39;ve been batting in that situation. As I said earlier as well, I#39;ve been batting really well in the nets.

It was just a matter of time when you play a few balls, bat the way I bat and that doesn#39;t change my identity.

I think it came naturally. I mean, whatever strokes I played, I#39;ve been practicing really well in the last 2-3 weeks. I#39;m at it similarly during the net session. Played a few practice games as well. So I was feeling good.

On Indias fielding and Abhishek Sharmas magnificent 84, Suryakumar said: With such heavy dew, a few lines here and there, I mean, I#39;m just supporting my fielders. But I mean, we keep improving in that one department. We try and improve always when we take on the field. So very happy with the effort from the boys.

I mean, the way he prepares, I mean, it#39;s not just how he bats in the games, but the way he prepares himself, the way he carries himself, when he#39;s in the hotel, in the team bus.

I think all those small, small things, it reflects on the ground and he is enjoying those fruits of that.

Skipper Mitchell Santner said New Zealand had expected a tough contest against India. I think it was. Looking forward, obviously, like you said, you want to win the game. It was a good day for us. India is a very good team at home. We knew that. Their record the last two years is outstanding. It was a good game for us, he said.

I mean, the way he prepares, I mean, it#39;s not just how he bats in the games, but the way he prepares himself, the way he carries himself, when he#39;s in the hotel, in the team bus.

I think all those small, small things, it reflects on the ground and he is enjoying those fruits of that.

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He also praised pacer Jacob Duffys role. He#39;s shown his class over the last few years for us. He#39;s kind of taken that senior bowling role for us and cleans it up top of the mark, I think, going forward, the way you want to slow these guys down to take wickets.

Article Source: IANS