It's Time for the World to Acknowledge His Talents: Kaif on Iyer's Performance
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Synopsis
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has highlighted Shreyas Iyer's remarkable performance against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy, urging the cricket community to focus on his strengths. Iyer played a pivotal role in securing a respectable total for India during the match in Dubai.
Key Takeaways
- Mohammad Kaif commends Shreyas Iyer's performance.
- Iyer scored a crucial 79 runs against New Zealand.
- He previously scored 56 against Pakistan.
- Iyer's partnership with Axar Patel was instrumental.
- India secured a total of 249/9 in the match.
New Delhi, March 2 (NationPress) Former India batter Mohammad Kaif praised Shreyas Iyer for his significant 79 runs against New Zealand in their concluding Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy held in Dubai on Sunday.
Kaif emphasized that it is time to acknowledge Iyer as a prominent talent on the global stage. He recalled Iyer's century during the ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, a match that India won by 70 runs at Wankhede Stadium.
"It’s Shreyas Iyer once more in an ICC event against NZ. His outstanding performance continues; it’s high time the world discusses his strengths instead of focusing on his weaknesses," Kaif stated on X.
Iyer, who scored 56 against Pakistan in the previous match, maintained his excellent form in the tournament, achieving consecutive half-centuries and helping India reach a commendable total of 249/9 in 50 overs after the early loss of Shubman Gill, captain Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli in the first seven overs.
Alongside Axar Patel, Iyer formed a crucial 98-run partnership to uplift the team from a challenging position. Axar scored 42, while Iyer’s innings of 79 off 98 balls featured two sixes and four fours.
Ultimately, Hardik Pandya's vital contribution of 45 helped secure a competitive total.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry achieved a five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5-42 in his eight overs.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan commended the batting performances of Iyer, Axar, and Pandya in leading the team to a solid total.
"It was a tough start for Team India, but the way @ShreyasIyer15 & @akshar2026 turned the game around with their partnership, complemented by @hardikpandya7’s support to set up 249, was remarkable. It’s a modest but chaseable score, and I hope our bowlers excel in the second innings. Best of luck, boys!" Dhawan posted on X.
Both New Zealand and India have already secured their spots in the semi-finals after victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan, and the match winner will claim the top position in Group A.
