New Zealand's spin strategy against India paid off well: Dale Steyn

Mumbai, Mar 16: South Africa veteran pacer Dale Steyn on Wednesday said that New Zealand's decision to play three spinners against India in the World Twenty20 opener on Tuesday paid off well as the Black Caps scripted a stunning 47-run victory over the hosts in Nagpur.

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The Kiwis, who have never lost to India in the shortest version of the game, thus maintained their perfect record.

Chasing a modest 127-run target on a spin-friendly track in the Super 10 Group 2 match, the Indian batsmen never really got into the groove and could only manage to crawl their way to 79 before being all out at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.

Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner claimed a four-wicket haul for New Zealand with superb figures of 4/11. He was well supported by leg-spinner Inderbir Singh Sodhi (3/18) and Nathan McCullum (2/15)

"I guess New Zealand thinking was correct. That paid off, playing with three spinners, but we know what are strengths are, we probably go with spin, may be go with spin, I don't know, but as a seamer I have to back myself bowl fast cutters," Steyn told reporters after the team's practice session here.

IANS