Right then. That's it from the coverage of this game. The Kiwis have taken a 1-0 lead in this two-match T20I series. These two sides will cross swords again in the final game of the series on 5th August, 2022. The action is set to begin at 8.30 pm IST (3.00 pm GMT). But as you all know you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye.

Mitchell Santner the skipper of New Zealand says that it was a challenge, probably a slow wicket but they did well to get to close to 150 and he says they bowled well up top. Adds that the quick-fire cameo from James Neesham was good. He helped them get close to 150 which was enough in the end. Mentions that wickets in the Powerplay slowed the batters down a bit.

Scott Edwards the captain of Netherlands says that the bowlers did pretty well and restricting them to 148 was pretty good. He says that they didn't get a good start and Kiwis bowled well upfront. He praises the spinners for their effort. He ends by saying that there were a few positives to take from this game and they will look to execute their plans better in the next game.

Stay tuned for a few interviews...

Earlier, Netherlands bowlers bowled with great discipline to restrict New Zealand to a low total. If it was not for a 20-run penultimate over, they would have been chasing much less. Most New Zealand batters got starts but didn’t go on to make it big with Martin Guptill the top-scorer with his 45. The stage looked set for an upset but the New Zealand pacers returned to the field with intent. In the end, the result was as we expected and once again the minnow has fallen just short of the finish line.

New Zealand began their defense in absolutely stunning fashion with Blair Tickner taking three wickets in his first two overs. After that, it was pretty much cruise control mode and the bowlers went through the motions. They never looked challenged and the only player to put some resistance was Bas de Leede. However, there was very little he could do all alone. The pace bowlers were outstanding for New Zealand with Tickner taking four as he added the wicket of Bas de Leede towards the end. Ben Sears also contributed with three wickets and the two spinners got one each.

Netherlands started the chase tentatively and never seemed to get a move on. They were scoring at under six runs per over right from the start up till the later stages of their innings. They lost three wickets really early after which they were always chasing the game. Bas de Leede was the only player to apply himself and show any sort of intent. He played almost the whole innings with very little support from the other end. He scored 66 runs off just 53 deliveries and gave a slight ray of hope to his side. 

Despite having to chase a moderate total, Netherlands have fallen short of the total. New Zealand bowlers have done well to seal this win after their batters put on a disappointing show earlier. In the end, it is a comfortable 16-run win and New Zealand have taken an unassailable 1-0 lead in this two-match series.

Clayton Floyd is the last batter for Netherlands.

Shariz Ahmad is the new batter out in the middle.