New Zealand produced a commanding chase to hand India a seven-wicket defeat in the second ODI at Rajkot on Wednesday, with Daryl Mitchell’s magnificent century anchoring the visitors’ win and forcing the series into a decider on Sunday.
After opting to field, India set a target of 285, it was Mitchell’s unbeaten knock and a decisive partnership with Will Young that ultimately tilted the contest firmly in the visitors’ favour.
New Zealand’s reply began cautiously, with Devon Conway finding a few early boundaries before Harshit Rana rattled his stumps to provide India with the first breakthrough. Henry Nicholls struggled to rotate the strike and was eventually dismissed by Prasidh Krishna, leaving the visitors at 46 for 2 and momentarily under pressure.
That pressure was completely absorbed by Will Young and Daryl Mitchell. The pair stitched together a superb 162-run partnership for the third wicket, combining patience with calculated aggression.
Young eventually fell for a well-crafted 87, ending the massive stand, but by then the damage had already been done. Mitchell, joined by Glenn Phillips, ensured there were no late twists.
Mitchell remained unbeaten on 131 as New Zealand cruised past the target with seven wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare. The comprehensive win levels the series and sets up a high-stakes decider, with momentum firmly on New Zealand’s side heading into the final match.
