KL Rahul’s century goes in vain as Daryl Mitchell, Will Young power New Zealand to level series by 7-wicket win in 2nd ODI
Indian spinners were outperformed at home once again as KL Rahul’s unbeaten century was overshadowed by Daryl Mitchell’s brilliant 131 not out, helping New Zealand beat India by seven wickets and level the three-match ODI series 1-1 on Wednesday.
On a slow pitch at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, New Zealand read the conditions better than the hosts. India managed 284 for 7 despite Rahul’s fighting 112 not out off 91 balls, which included nine fours and one six. New Zealand then chased down the target comfortably, reaching 286 for 3 in 47.3 overs.
Talking about the deciding third ODI, it will be played in Indore on Sunday, that is 18th January at the Holkar Cricket Stadium.
How did Will Young and Daryl Mitchell bat?
Will Young and Daryl Mitchell, who were also key performers in New Zealand’s recent Test series win in India, batted with calm and control as the required run rate stayed above six an over. During their second-wicket stand, they scored 162 runs from 152 balls, cruising at just over five runs per over without any late trouble.
How was Will Young’s knock?
Young played a steady knock of 87 from 98 balls with seven boundaries, while Mitchell dominated the innings with smart shot selection, especially using sweep shots. Mitchell brought up his third ODI hundred against India and eighth overall, finishing unbeaten on 131 from 117 balls with 11 fours and two sixes.
How was the match and what happened earlier?
New Zealand’s win again highlighted India’s long-standing issue with spin bowling at home. Debutant left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox bowled tightly, finishing with figures of 1 for 42 from 10 overs. Michael Bracewell also impressed with 1 for 34, while Glenn Phillips went for just 13 runs in three overs. In comparison, India’s main spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja conceded 126 runs without much impact.
Kuldeep finally broke the partnership by dismissing Young, and Mohammed Siraj trapped Mitchell lbw soon after, but the decision was overturned on review due to an inside edge. Earlier, Mitchell also got a lifeline when Prasidh Krishna dropped a straightforward catch when he was on 80.
New Zealand’s fast bowlers also handled pressure well early in the chase, even after Harshit Rana dismissed Devon Conway. The visitors reached 34 for 1 after the powerplay, staying in control.
Earlier in the match, KL Rahul held India’s innings together on a difficult surface. His unbeaten 112 off 92 balls included 11 fours and two sixes and came at a time when India were struggling after slipping from 99 for 1 to 118 for 4.
Captain Shubman Gill was the other main contributor with 56 off 53 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. However, both Gill and Shreyas Iyer got out to mistimed shots, hurting India’s momentum. Virat Kohli was dismissed for 23 when a ball outside off stump deflected onto his stumps, silencing the home crowd.
Ravindra Jadeja added some stability with 27 runs and shared a vital 73-run partnership with Rahul for the fifth wicket, helping India reach a competitive total.