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ICC World Twenty20: Batsmen let us down against New Zealand, says Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Even after restricting Black Caps for 126, India failed to chase the total. 

ICC World Twenty20: Batsmen let us down against New Zealand, says Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni

New Delhi: After losing their opening match of the ICC World Twenty20 against New Zealand, India's limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday put the entire blame on the batsmen.

Even after restricting Black Caps for 126, India failed to chase the total and bowled out for 79 at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur.

Even after having a batting heavy side, India looked clueless while facing Kiwi spinners and eventually lost the match by 47 runs.

Poor short selection also cost the hosts dearly.

"I think it was a low scoring wicket, I thought we restricted them to a good total, the batting let us down, the shot selection kept putting pressure on the batsmen coming in.

“They bowled well, exploited the conditions, but we lacked adaptability, we could have applied ourselves a little more. The batting let us down," said Dhoni in the post match presentation.

On the other hand, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was pleased with the efforts of his bowlers.

"Very pleased, 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,” said Williamson, after winning a low scoring tie.

India will play their next match against arch-rivals Pakistan, which is scheduled to take place at Eden Gardens on March 19.