Journalism of Courage
India gave retiring fast bowler Ashish Nehra a winning farewell with a comprehensive 53-run victory over New Zealand in the first Twenty20 International on Wednesday. The hosts capitalised on a blistering start to post a commanding 202-3 before restricting New Zealand to 149-8 to go 1-0 up in the three-match series. (Source: AP)
Captain Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan carried Ashish Nehra on their shoulders during a farewell lap at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. (Source: AP)
Put into bat by a New Zealand side wary of the dew factor, the hosts got off to a flying start with openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma featuring in India's highest Twenty20 partnership. The left-right duo toyed with the Kiwi attack to plunder 158 runs for the first wicket, aided by sloppy catching by a New Zealand side usually renowned for their high fielding standards. (Source: AP)
Virat Kohli (26 not out) also got a reprieve when Martin Guptill floored a catch in the deep and the India captain smacked three sixes in his 11-ball cameo. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi dismissed Dhawan and Hardik Pandya in the same over but could not stop India passing 200. (Source: PTI)
India later restricted New Zealand to 149/8 in 20 overs to win the match by 53 runs. (Source: AP)
Ashish Nehra didn't get any wicket in his farewell match but bowled with good economy in New Delhi. (Source: AP)
Left-arm paceman Nehra, 38, ended his international career at his home ground nearly 18 years after his 1999 Test debut against Sri Lanka. (Source: AP)
Ashish Nehra poses for a photograph with his family, and cricket captain Virat Kohli, right, at the end of his last international cricket match in New Delhi. (Source: AP)
Ashish Nehra looks on as Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan dance with his teammates after his retirement from all forms of cricket. (Source: AP)
