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Watch: Ahead of 2nd ODI, Team India gets traditional 'Maori' welcome at Bay Oval

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Jan 25, 2019, 09:01 PM IST
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Photograph:(ANI)

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Shikhar Dhawan said the whole team loved the welcome and the energy the performers created was amazing.

The 'Maori' community welcomed the Indian cricket team with their traditional 'Haka' dance before team's practice session at Bay Oval Stadium in New Zealand's picturesque Mount Maunganui on January 25. 

Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, who participate fully in country's sporting culture. They are even well-represented in rugby union, rugby league and netball teams at all levels. 

The New Zealand national rugby union team performs a 'haka', a traditional Maori challenge, before international matches. It is believed that the dance is meant to scare the opponents. 

India's opener Shikhar Dhawan said the whole team loved the welcome and the energy the performers created was amazing.

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Meanwhile, New Zealand paceman Trent Boult said that the Kiwi bowlers would be aggressive, attack the Indian batsmen from the first ball and try to put the visitor's middle order under pressure. 

The two teams will lock horns on Saturday (January 26) for the second ODI.

India had on Wednesday (January 23) beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in Napier to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

After a near perfect beginning, India would look to tighten the noose around a struggling New Zealand with a barrage of spin in the second ODI.