In Shorts
- New Zealand chase 285 successfully to beat India by 7 wickets, series now tied 1-1.
- Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 131 and Will Young’s 87 lay foundation for successful run chase.
- KL Rahul’s century for India goes in vain as NZ set up decisive final ODI in Indore.
Rajkot turned into the stage for a dramatic comeback by New Zealand in the ongoing ODI series against India. After losing the opening match, the Black Caps showcased resilience and class in their second outing to level the series at 1-1 with a commanding seven-wicket victory.
India posted a competitive total of 284 for 7 after electing to bat first at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. KL Rahul anchored the hosts’ innings with a gritty unbeaten 112, his eighth ODI century, as he helped India recover from early setbacks and post a challenging score.
Chasing 285, New Zealand got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets and appearing under pressure. It was then that senior batter Daryl Mitchell and experienced top-order Will Young took control of the chase. Together they put on a 162-run partnership that decisively swung momentum in favour of the visitors.
Mitchell was the star of the show, crafting a brilliant unbeaten 131 from 117 balls. His innings was both composed and commanding as he repeatedly punished loose deliveries and kept the required run rate in check. Young supported him superbly, contributing a well-timed 87 that steadied the Black Caps when they needed it most.
Despite KL Rahul’s twin efforts with the bat, India’s bowling attack struggled to contain the New Zealand pair in the middle overs. Glenn Phillips’ lower-order contribution of 32 further enabled the visitors to get across the line with 15 balls to spare, completing New Zealand’s highest ODI chase on Indian soil.
With the series now tied, all eyes will turn to the deciding third ODI in Indore. Both sides will be looking to seize momentum ahead of a looming T20I series and the upcoming global tournament.
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