New Zealand produced a clinical performance to defeat India by seven wickets in the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot. Chasing a target of 285, the visitors rode on a magnificent unbeaten century from Daryl Mitchell and a steady 87 from Will Young to cross the finish line with 15 balls to spare. With this victory, the Blackcaps have leveled the three-match series 1-1, setting up a high-stakes series decider in Indore.
Match Summary
- Toss: New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first.
- India: 284/7 (50 Overs)
- New Zealand: 286/3 (47.3 Overs)
- Result: New Zealand won by 7 wickets.
- Player of the Match: Daryl Mitchell (131* off 117 balls)
KL Rahul’s Lone Battle Highlights India’s Innings
Batting first, India got off to a brisk start behind captain Shubman Gill (56) and Rohit Sharma (24). However, the middle order struggled against a disciplined Kiwi attack. Virat Kohli (23) and Shreyas Iyer (8) fell in quick succession, leaving India reeling at 118/4.
It was KL Rahul who anchored the innings with a gritty, unbeaten 112 off 92 balls. He found support in Ravindra Jadeja (27) and later shifted gears in the death overs, smashing 25 runs in his final 13 deliveries. His eighth ODI century propelled India to a competitive total of 284/7. Kristian Clarke was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming 3/56.
Mitchell and Young Orchestrate Record Chase
New Zealand’s chase began cautiously after losing Devon Conway (16) and Henry Nicholls (10) early, reducing them to 46/2. However, the game changed as Daryl Mitchell and Will Young combined for a match-defining 162-run partnership for the third wicket.
Mitchell was the aggressor, punishing anything short, while Young played the perfect foil before falling for 87. A crucial moment came when Mitchell was dropped by Prasidh Krishna on 82—a mistake that proved fatal for India. Mitchell finished with a breathtaking unbeaten 131 off 117 balls, sealing the win with an audacious scoop. This chase marked New Zealand’s highest-ever successful ODI run-chase against India in India.
Key Performers
| Player | Stats | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Daryl Mitchell (NZ) | 131* (117) | Match-winning 8th ODI century. |
| KL Rahul (IND) | 112* (92) | Solitary fight to get India to 284. |
| Will Young (NZ) | 87 (98) | Solid foundation in the 162-run stand. |
| Kristian Clarke (NZ) | 3/56 | Restricted India’s middle order. |
| Shubman Gill (IND) | 56 (53) | Provided a rapid start at the top. |
Series Outlook
The series is now wide open. India will be concerned by their spin attack’s inability to break partnerships on a sluggish Rajkot surface, while New Zealand will take immense confidence from their historic chase.
The two teams now travel to the Holkar Stadium in Indore for the third and final ODI on Sunday, January 18, which will decide the series winner.
