CHRISTCHURCH:  Former India head coach Ravi Shastri felt that off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar had taken advantage of his opportunities in the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand. Shastri also noted that the left-handed batter displayed "great maturity" by scoring a valiant 51 in the third ODI, which was washed out in Christchurch.

Sundar scored his first ODI fifty at Hagley Oval, leading India to a respectable 219 in 47.3 overs after being given the opportunity to bat first by New Zealand on a green field and in cloudy weather. India's innings stalled until Sundar rose to the occasion and smashed five clean fours and a six to reach fifty in a 64-ball effort, pushing the visitors' total above 200.

Sundar completed India's 307/6 total in the first ODI of the series in Auckland with an unbeaten 16-ball 37 that included three fours and as many sixes. Despite not taking any wickets in the series, Sundar was at his most efficient, as seen by his economy rate of 4.46.

"He seized the chance at the first chance he saw. And I believe he batted with wonderful maturity today. The top order laboured in difficult conditions, and the ball was thumping the bat, but you could see this guy was cool straight away after 5-7 minutes." "He appeared well-organized, left the ball with good balance, and displayed excellent footwork. You could tell he was on his way when he crossed a few lines of limitation. He will benefit greatly from this innings, therefore. A good hitter can score a half-century in difficult circumstances. I believe he ought to accept it "After the show ended, Shastri spoke with broadcasters Prime Video.

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