IND vs NZ 2nd ODI: Daryl Mitchell’s Century Overpowers KL Rahul’s Heroics as New Zealand Level the Series

India posted a competitive total of 284 runs for seven wickets, but New Zealand chased down the target in 47.3 overs, winning the second ODI by seven wickets. A magnificent century from Daryl Mitchell powered the visitors to victory, leveling the three-match ODI series 1–1. The series decider will be played on Sunday.

KL Rahul’s Lone Battle on a Challenging Pitch

On a slow and difficult surface at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, KL Rahul held India’s innings together with a brilliant unbeaten century. Promoted to No. 5 after early collapses, Rahul scored 112 off 92 balls*, hitting 11 fours and two sixes, guiding India to a respectable total despite frequent setbacks.

At one stage, India slipped from 99/1 to 118/4, as the pitch made stroke-making extremely difficult. Rahul stitched vital partnerships with the lower order, displaying composure, technique, and leadership under pressure.

With a six off the final ball of the 49th over, Rahul completed his hundred and achieved two milestones:

He became India’s first wicketkeeper to score an ODI century against New Zealand
He also became the first Indian to score an ODI century in Rajkot

Support from Shubman Gill, Top Order Struggles Continue

Captain Shubman Gill provided valuable support with a fluent 56 off 53 balls, registering his second consecutive half-century. He adapted well to the pitch conditions, striking nine fours and one six.

However, India’s top order failed to capitalize:

Rohit Sharma scored 26 before falling to a big shot attempt
Virat Kohli was dismissed for 23 after an inside edge onto the stumps
Shreyas Iyer also fell cheaply

Middle-Order Partnerships Lift India

Rahul added 73 runs with Ravindra Jadeja (27) for the fifth wicket and 57 runs with Nitish Kumar Reddy (20) for the sixth. Despite late wickets, Rahul stayed till the end, ensuring India crossed the 280 mark.

For New Zealand, Christian Clarke picked up three wickets, while Kyle Jamieson, Michael Bracewell, and others chipped in with one wicket each.

New Zealand’s Steady Chase After Slow Start

Chasing 285, New Zealand began cautiously, scoring just 34 runs for one wicket in the first 10 overs. Devon Conway was dismissed early by Harshit Rana.

The innings gained momentum through a match-defining 162-run partnership between Will Young and Daryl Mitchell.

Will Young scored 87 off 98 balls
Daryl Mitchell smashed a sensational 131 off 117 balls*, including 11 fours and two sixes

Mitchell reached his century in just 96 balls, anchoring the chase to perfection.

Records and Key Stats

Daryl Mitchell now has three ODI centuries against India
He is second only to Nathan Astle for most ODI centuries vs India by a New Zealand batter
Kuldeep यादव conceded 82 runs, his third-most expensive ODI spell