Blackcaps bowler Kyle Jamieson is still pinching himself after a man-of-the-match performance in his international debut, as New Zealand beat India in the second one-day international in Auckland on Saturday.
The 25-year-old was a hero with bat and ball, scoring 25 runs in a 76-run partnership with Ross Taylor, before taking two wickets as the Blackcaps claimed a 22-run victory to secure an ODI series win over India.
When Jamieson came to the crease, New Zealand was in trouble at 197/8, with eight and a half overs left.
But his ninth-wicket partnership with Taylor (73 not out) helped New Zealand finish 273/8 from their 50 overs.
Jamieson then took 2/42 from 10 impressive overs, as India were eventually bowled out for 251.
"It's pretty surreal," said Jamieson. "You grow up dreaming of these moments.
"Just to make an impact, and to play some sort of role in helping us you know first to get to a total and then to restrict a pretty good batting line-up is very pleasing.
"Then to have a series win is also that kind of tops it all,
"It has been awesome. It is a pretty special group to be part of it.
"Already I have learned so much that is the real privilege to be part of."
Even though Jamieson is listed as a specialist bowler, his performance with the bat was arguably more impressive due to the importance of his partnership with Taylor.
The Blackcaps looked set to score more than 300 thanks to a 93-run opening stand from Martin Guptill (79) and Henry Nicholls (41).
But a series of brain explosions and good Indian bowling saw the New Zealand middle-order crumble, losing 6/40 in 73 balls.
That's when Jamieson joined Taylor where the pair got the Blackcaps back into the match.
"The plan was pretty simple, take it to the 50 overs," Jamieson said.
"A total of around 230-240, we would have been happy, just wanted to stay there and stick with Ross, be there till the end.
"When I was growing up, I was a batter so I would probably try to score a hundred on debut.
"As I get older, it comes down to how can I contribute to the team and how can we win a game and series."
With this win, New Zealand has gained a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series. The final match of the series will be played at Bay Oval on February 11.
Join us at 3pm Tuesday for live updates of the third ODI between the Blackcaps and India
