New Zealand Stun India Daryl Mitchell Masterclass in Rajkot to Level Series

In a high-stakes encounter at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, New Zealand produced a clinical run-chase to defeat India by seven wickets in the second ODI, effectively leveling the three-match series 1-1. Despite a heroic, unbeaten century from India’s KL Rahul, a powerhouse performance from Daryl Mitchell ensured the Black Caps stayed alive in the series, setting up a tantalizing finale in Indore.

The Scorecard at a Glance

• India: 284/7 in 50 overs (KL Rahul 112*, Shubman Gill 56; Jayden Lennox 1/42)

• New Zealand: 286/3 in 47.3 overs (Daryl Mitchell 131*, Will Young 87; Kuldeep Yadav 1/62)

• Result: New Zealand won by 7 wickets.

• Man of the Match: Daryl Mitchell

KL Rahul Stands Tall Amidst Middle-Order Wobble

Opting to bat first on a surface that appeared sluggish initially, India got off to a confident start through captain Shubman Gill (56) and Rohit Sharma. However, the momentum shifted quickly as New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack—led by debutant left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox—stifled the scoring rate. From a comfortable 99/1, India slipped to 118/4, with Virat Kohli (23) and Shreyas Iyer falling cheaply to innocuous deliveries.

The rescue act was led by KL Rahul, who showcased remarkable temperament. Rahul anchored the innings with a 73-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja (27) before exploding in the death overs. He reached his century in spectacular fashion, smashing 25 runs in his final 13 balls to propel India to a competitive 284/7. His 112* off 91 balls was a masterclass in pacing an ODI innings, particularly on a pitch where other batters struggled to find timing.

New Zealand Mitchell-Young Partnership Dismantles India

Chasing 285, New Zealand faced early pressure from India’s new-ball pair, Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj. Rana removed Devon Conway early, but that only paved the way for the match-defining partnership. Daryl Mitchell and Will Young put on a staggering 162 runs for the second wicket, batting with a clarity that neutralized India’s spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja.

Mitchell was particularly aggressive, using the sweep and reverse-sweep to disrupt the lengths of the Indian spinners. While Young (87) fell just short of a century, Mitchell remained immovable. Even a dropped catch by Prasidh Krishna when Mitchell was on 80 couldn’t dampen his resolve. He finished with a majestic 131 off 117 balls*, sealing the win with an audacious scoop for four with 15 balls to spare.

Bowling Woes for India

The primary concern for the Indian camp will be the lack of wickets in the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, usually India’s trump cards, went for a combined 126 runs while picking up only one wicket. The absence of a “wicket-taking” bite in the middle period allowed Mitchell and Young to dictate terms, making the chase of 285 look far easier than the pitch suggested.

U19 World Cup Update: India Starts Strong

While the senior team faced a setback, the India U19 squad began their World Cup campaign on a high note yesterday (January 15). Facing the USA in Bulawayo, the young “Men in Blue” secured a comfortable six-wicket victory. Pacer Henil Patel was the star, dismantling the USA top order with figures of 5/16, while Abhigyan Kundu (42*) ensured a smooth chase despite minor rain interruptions.

New Zealand – The Road to Indore

With the senior series now tied at 1-1, all eyes move to the Holkar Stadium in Indore for the series decider on Sunday, January 18. India will likely ponder changes to their bowling combination, while New Zealand will look to carry the momentum of their highest-ever successful ODI chase on Indian soil.