NEW DELHI: “I always wanted to become the greatest all-rounder,” Nitish Kumar Reddy said after playing a key role in India’s seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday.Reddy returned figures of 3/24 as India restricted Afghanistan to 159 for eight. Sanju Samson then smashed 57 off 22 balls as India chased down the target in 14.5 overs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Reddy makes a strong comeback
Reddy made an immediate impact with the ball, taking a wicket with the first delivery of each of his three overs. He first dismissed Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran for 37 before removing Gulbadin Naib with the first ball of his second over. His third wicket came in the final over when he dismissed Rashid Khan, who had scored 28.Reddy finished with 3/24 and was named Player of the Match.
‘I wanted that extra pace’
Reddy said he has been working on his pace as he looks to become a better all-rounder.“I feel great. I always wanted to become the greatest all-rounder, and for that I wanted that extra pace, which I’m getting. You will have the pros and cons, and I’m working on not getting frequently injured and (staying) fit.”The all-rounder also spoke about his fitness after his injury.“It’s good. Right now I’m feeling great. We have done some great work at COE, and the body’s recovering well.”
Reddy talks about his comeback
Reddy said his performance was about trusting his ability and making a strong comeback after the first T20I.“I would say it’s all about trusting your ability and (making) that comeback, and I was just believing in myself. It’s a funny game; anything can change in a moment.”
Samson leads India’s chase
Chasing 160, India got off to a flying start as Samson and Abhishek Sharma attacked the Afghanistan bowlers. The pair added 82 runs in the powerplay before Rashid Khan dismissed Abhishek for 39 off 19 balls.Samson continued his attack and completed his fastest T20 fifty off just 20 balls. He hit seven fours and four sixes before Rashid dismissed him for 57.Ishan Kishan remained unbeaten on 38 off 23 balls, while Shreyas Iyer scored 11. India reached 163 for three in 14.5 overs to win by seven wickets and seal the series.
