IND vs NZ: KL Rahul’s ton in vain as Daryl Mitchell powers New Zealand to 7-wicket win; series tied at 1-1 | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: New Zealand outplayed India on Indian conditions as Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 131 overshadowed KL Rahul’s fighting century to secure a seven-wicket win in the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday, levelling the three-match series 1-1. Chasing 285, the visitors finished at 286 for three in 47.3 overs, adapting better to the slow surface and executing their plans with greater clarity.
India were kept to 284 for seven despite Rahul’s superb 112 not out off 91 balls. The Indian spinners struggled on a pitch offering grip, while New Zealand’s slower bowlers controlled the middle overs effectively. Debutant left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox impressed with figures of 1 for 42 from 10 overs, while Michael Bracewell chipped in with 1 for 34. In contrast, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja conceded 126 runs from 18 overs for just one wicket.Mitchell and Will Young laid the foundation of the chase with a calm and controlled 162-run second-wicket stand off 152 balls. Young scored a fluent 87 off 98 balls, while Mitchell showcased his range with multiple sweep shots to register his third ODI hundred against India, finishing with 131 not out from 117 deliveries. A dropped catch by Prasidh Krishna when Mitchell was on 80 proved costly, allowing the New Zealand batter to take the game away.Earlier, India lost momentum after a steady start, slipping from 99 for one to 118 for four. Captain Shubman Gill scored 56 but fell to a mistimed pull, while Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli departed cheaply. Kohli was bowled for 23, playing on to an innocuous delivery. Rahul held the innings together with vital partnerships, including a 73-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 27.New Zealand also absorbed early pressure from Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj, with Rana removing Devon Conway. However, the visitors stayed composed to seal the chase comfortably. The series-deciding third ODI will be played in Indore on Sunday.
