World T20: MS Dhoni blames batsmen for shock defeat against New Zealand

Nagpur, March 15: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today (March 15) blamed his side's famed batting line-up for the shocking loss to New Zealand in their opening match of the ICC World T20, saying they erred in "shot selection".

; Match report; WT20 Special Site

Title favourites India capitulated to a shocking 47-run defeat against a spirited New Zealand in a low-scoring game to launch their ICC World Twenty20 campaign in the most ignominious manner. (WT20 photo gallery)

New Zealand players celebrate the dismissal of Rohit Sharma in Nagpur

After restricting New Zealand 126 for seven, India put up a pathetic batting display to be bundled out 79 in 18.1 overs, their second lowest Twenty20 total, on a turning track at a jam-packed VCA Stadium in Jamtha. (WT20 schedule)

"I think it was a low scoring wicket. I thought we restricted them to a good total, but the batting let us down. The shot selection kept putting pressure on the batsmen coming in," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

It was a horrendous performance from India, ranked world no 1 in the Twenty20 format, as the famed batting line-up showed poor skills and application to lose their fifth successive match against the Kiwis. (Dhoni sets world record)

"They (New Zealand) bowled well, exploited the conditions, but we lacked adaptability, we could have applied ourselves a little more. The batting let us down," a disappointed Dhoni said.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was mighty pleased with the fighting performance from his side.

"I am very pleased. It was a tough surface. With the bat whatever score was going to be tough, we would have liked to have a few more. We wanted to be aggressive at the start, the format dictates that, we may reflect on that though and try and do it better (on selection)," he said.

"The message to the bowling attack was to be patient and apply pressure and we did that well."

PTI