India batsman Suryakumar Yadav has admitted it was his mistake that cost Washington Sundar his wicket after the pair was involved in a mix-up during the 2nd T20I against New Zealand, resulting in the left-hander getting run-out.
Suryakumar Yadav was adjudged the Player of the Match for his patient, calm innings of 26*(31).
He showcased that he can bat at a lower tempo too when required on difficult pitches as the one presented in Lucknow, where India took 19.5 overs to chase the target of 100 runs.
Suryakumar and Hardik Pandya’s fifth-wicket partnership of 31* (32) ensured India remained in the game, after being 70/4 in 14.3 overs with only Hooda to follow after them before the bowlers, and took the team over the line to level the series 1-1 with the third T20I to go.
Before Hardik and Suryakumar’s partnership, Suryakumar was involved in another crucial partnership of 20 (23) with Washington Sundar, who was promoted ahead of Pandya because of his left-handedness and counter New Zealand’s Santner and Sodhi.
That stand got off well, but it came to an abrupt end with Sundar getting run out.
At the post-match ceremony, Suryakumar was asked of his mix-up with Sundar to which Suryakumar admitted it was his mistake as he wanted a single that didn’t exist.
“It was my mistake, it was definitely not a run, I didn’t see where the ball was going,” Suryakumar said.
To a delivery from Glenn Phillips, the off-spinner, Suryakumar attempted a reverse-sweep but only got a glove to it. As the Kiwi players went up in the appeal, Suryakumar took off for a quick single but Sundar, after coming a step or two ahead, denied.
However, Suryakumar was way down the pitch and eventually crossed Sundar, who sacrificed his wicket.
Speaking of his innings, Suryakumar was happy to concede that this was a different version of his array.
“A different version of SKY today. Adapting to the situation was very important when I went into bat. After losing Washy, it was important for someone to take the game till the end,” he added.
The third T20I in Ahmedabad is likely to be played on a better pitch.
