New Zealand Levels the Series with a Masterclass Chase in Rajkot...
Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash.
Hey everyone,
Just finished watching the 2nd ODI between India and New Zealand, and wow.. what a statement win for the Kiwis! They chased down 284 with 7 wickets and 15 balls to spare, leveling the series 1–1.
As a cricket fan from Sri Lanka watching this clash, I couldnt help but admire the calmness New Zealand showed under pressure. Let's get into the details..
Match Snapshot
| Team | Score | Top Batters | Top Bowlers |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 284/7 (50) | KL Rahul – 112* (92) Gill – 56 (53) | K Clarke – 3/56 (8) Bracewell – 1/34 (10) |
| NZ | 286/3 (47.3) | Mitchell – 131* (117) Young – 87 (98) | Krishna – 1/49 (9) Harshit – 1/52 (9.3) |
- 📍 Venue: Rajkot
- 🎯 Toss: NZ chose to bowl
- 📅 Result: NZ won by 7 wickets
- ⭐ Player of the Match: Daryl Mitchell – 131* (117)
- 📊 Series: All square at 1–1 with the decider in Indore next
What Stood Out to Me
KL Rahul’s century was pure class. his 8th ODI ton, unbeaten on 112, held India together after they slipped to 118/4. But that middle-overs slowdown really cost them. From a viewer’s seat, India’s 284/7 felt maybe 20–30 runs short, especially once the pitch settled under lights.
Daryl Mitchell was just unreal. His unbeaten 131 off 117 balls was calm, clean, and packed with timely boundaries. That 162-run stand with Will Young (87) completely shifted the match. And honestly,
Is Mitchell the best ODI chaser in the world right now? He sure made a strong case tonight.Bowling-wise, young Kristian Clarke (3/56) impressed me for NZ. On the flip side, India’s spinners had a rare off day—Kuldeep going for 82 in his 10 overs really hurt.
Not to forget, this was New Zealand’s highest successful chase ever in India, and it marked the first time a team successfully chased at the Rajkot stadium in five ODI attempts, the previous four were all won by the side batting first. Big psychological win for the Kiwis heading into the decider.
Talking Points for the Decider
Can India’s middle order find more intent earlier in the innings?
How does India’s bowling adjust to stop a confident Mitchell and Young?
With the series now 1-1, does momentum now sit with New Zealand?
As a neutral fan, I’m just excited for the Indore decider, high-scoring ground, series on the line. What a setup!
What did you all think of the match? Who stood out for you? Comment below...👇
P.S. This is my 13th post here on Steemit.. thanks for reading, and lets keep the cricket chat going..