New Zealand produced a composed and authoritative performance to defeat India by seven wickets in the second ODI at Rajkot, successfully chasing a target of 285 with 15 balls to spare. The victory helped the visitors level the three-match series 1–1 and was built around a superb unbeaten century from Daryl Mitchell, who anchored the chase under pressure and finished the game in style.
India, batting first after winning the toss, put up a competitive total of 284 for 7 from their 50 overs. The innings was held together by a classy century from KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 112. Coming in at a tricky phase, Rahul absorbed early pressure, rotated the strike efficiently, and gradually lifted the tempo as the innings progressed. Shubman Gill also played a fluent knock of 56, providing stability at the top, while contributions from the middle order ensured India had a defendable score on a surface that looked good for batting under lights.
New Zealand’s chase did not begin smoothly. Early wickets reduced them to 46 for 2, briefly swinging momentum India’s way. However, the game turned decisively during the third-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Will Young. The duo stitched together a vital 162-run stand, calmly rebuilding the innings and steadily erasing the required run rate. Young played a mature knock of 87, showing patience and smart shot selection before falling with the finish line in sight.
Once Young departed, Mitchell took complete control of the chase. His unbeaten 131 was a lesson in calculated ODI batting — neither rushed nor overly cautious. Mitchell paced the innings beautifully, choosing his moments to attack while ensuring New Zealand never fell behind the asking rate. He found gaps consistently, ran hard between the wickets, and punished anything loose from the Indian bowlers. His century came at a crucial juncture, effectively sealing the match and draining confidence from the hosts.
Glenn Phillips provided excellent support late in the innings, remaining unbeaten and helping Mitchell close out the chase without any further drama. New Zealand eventually reached 286 for 3 in the 47th over, completing one of their most convincing ODI chases against India on Indian soil.
For India, the defeat exposed some concerns with bowling execution in the middle overs. Despite a strong batting performance led by Rahul, they struggled to break the Mitchell-Young partnership and lacked control when the pressure moments arrived. The fielding, while energetic early on, dipped as the chase slipped away.
With the series now evenly poised, all eyes turn to the decisive third ODI. India will look to tighten their bowling plans and bounce back quickly, while New Zealand will take confidence from a near-perfect chase built on discipline, composure, and one outstanding individual performance. Daryl Mitchell’s innings stood out not just for the runs scored, but for the authority and calm with which he steered New Zealand to a series-levelling win.
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