New Zealand Levels Series with 7-Wicket Win over India in 2nd ODI

Rajkot, Jan 2026 : New Zealand clinched a 7-wicket victory over India in the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, leveling the three-match series 1-1. The decider will now be played in Indore on January 18.

After losing the toss, India opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 284 for 7 in their 50 overs. The Indian innings was anchored initially by the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill, who put on a 70-run stand in just 12.2 overs. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 24 runs off 38 balls, including four boundaries. Following his dismissal, Gill and Virat Kohli added 29 runs for the second wicket, taking India to 99.

The Indian middle order stabilized the innings, with contributions from the lower order pushing the total close to 285. For New Zealand, Christian Clarke was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 56 runs in 8 overs. Kyle Jamieson, Jack Foulkes, Jayden Lennox, and captain Michael Bracewell took one wicket each, applying consistent pressure during the innings.

In response, New Zealand chased the target in 47.3 overs, losing Devon Conway (16) and Will Young (10) early, with the score at 46 for 2. The innings was then steadied by Will Young and Daryl Mitchell, who shared a 162-run partnership in 152 balls to take the team to 208. Young scored a brilliant 87 off 98 balls, hitting seven fours, while Mitchell anchored the chase with a commanding 131 runs off 117 balls, including 11 fours and 2 sixes.

After Young’s dismissal, Mitchell and Glenn Phillips added another 78 runs for the fourth wicket, ensuring a smooth passage to victory. Phillips remained unbeaten on 32 runs, guiding the team home. For India, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Yadav took one wicket each but were unable to break the key partnerships that turned the match in New Zealand’s favor.

With this win, New Zealand kept the series alive, setting up a thrilling finale in Indore. The visitors’ clinical batting and disciplined middle-overs bowling were key in turning a match that had initially seemed in India’s control into a memorable victory.

Brief Scores:
India 284/7 (Shubman Gill 62, Virat Kohli 48; Christian Clarke 3/56)
New Zealand 285/3 in 47.3 overs (Daryl Mitchell 131, Will Young 87; Harshit Rana 1/)