India vs New Zealand, 2017-18 ODI series: Marks out of 10 for visitors

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Sunday said that the Kiwis made the Indians play their best game.

New Zealand punched well above their weight and gave tough time to Kohli’s men IANS

Things turned out to be competitive for India. Unlike Australia, New Zealand punched well above their weight and gave tough time to Kohli’s men.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Sunday said that the Kiwis made the Indians play their best game. The final was played until the last ball to determine the winner. However, India turned out to be the best team in the end. Nevertheless, nothing can be taken away from the visitors, as we rate them out of the 10 in this series. India vs New Zealand, 2017 ODI series: Marks out of 10 for Virat Kohli and co.

Tom Latham: He was the vital cog in the wheel, finishing as the highest run-scorer for the side in the series. He scored 206 runs from the three matches at an average of 103 and a strike rate of 95, including a half-century and a century. Verdict: 8/10

Ross Taylor: Taylor is one of the most dependable batsmen for New Zealand. He finished as the second highest run-scorer in the series with 155 runs at an average of 52 and a strike rate of 86, including a half-century. He fell just five short of a century in the Mumbai ODI. Nevertheless, he gets solid points for his fighting performances. Verdict: 8.5/10

Colin Munro: The star of the final ODI for the Kiwis, Munro finished as the third highest run-scorer. He scored 113 runs at an average of 38 and a strike rate of 99, including a half-century. His best score was 75 in the Sunday’s decider. He also bowled 11 overs but could not manage a wicket. Verdict 6.5/10

Henry Nicholls: The No. 6 batsman did show some fight but could up the ante when needed. He scored 83 runs at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 95. With the highest score of 42, he did show some good game plan, but failed to score big. Verdict: 6/10

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Kane Williamson: The skipper had a tough time in the series. He scored 73 runs at an average of 24 and a strike rate of 69, including a half-century in the final ODI. Although he barred himself from bowling in the series, it could have possibly played a major role in their series defeat. Nevertheless, he too gets an average score for it. Verdict: 6/10

Martin Guptill: The only New Zealand batsman, who has a double hundred in the ODIs, was expected to play a stellar role in the series. However, he too turned out to be an average player, scoring just 53 runs at an average of 18 and a strike rate of 75. With the highest score of 32, he completely failed to fire in the remaining two matches. Verdict: 5.5/10

Colin de Grandhomme: One of the all-rounders in the side, de Grandhomme could not make his IPL experience count as he managed to score just 49 runs. He also managed to claim just a wicket for 124 after bowling 19 overs, at an average of 124 and an economy of 7. Verdict: 5/10

Mitchell Santner: The spinner, who was greatly backed to perform in the series did deliver. He took 4 for 137 at an average of 34 and an economy of 5. He scored 38 runs with the bat. Verdict: 6/10

Tim Southee: He claimed 6 for 199 at an average of 33 and an economy of 7. His best spell was 3 for 73. However, he failed to shine with the bat, scoring just 29 runs, while his highest score was an unbeaten 25. Nevertheless, a fair performance from the bowler. Verdict: 5.5/10

Trent Boult: The most reliable fast bowler in the side, Trent Boult made his IPL experience count as he claimed 4 for 170 at an average of 43 and an economy of 6. His best spell a 4-wicket haul in Mumbai. Therefore, he was clearly the star of the New Zealand pace attack, and he deserves credit for it. Verdict: 6.5/10

Adam Milne: He managed to claim 3 for 147 at an average of 49 and a strike rate of 5. His best spell was just a two-wicket haul for 64. Verdict: 4.5/10