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Rajkot, India – January 14, 2026 – Daryl Mitchell delivered a masterful unbeaten century, guiding New Zealand to a seven-wicket victory over India in the second One day International (ODI) in Rajkot.This win levels the three-match series at 1-1, setting the stage for a decisive final encounter.
Mitchell Anchors New Zealand Chase
Mitchell’s innings of 130 runs came off 96 balls,showcasing a blend of power adn finesse. He formed a crucial 162-run partnership with Will Young, who contributed a solid 87 runs. The match was effectively sealed with an inventive scooped four, executed while falling backwards - a testament to Mitchell’s athleticism and composure under pressure.
New Zealand had earlier found themselves in a challenging position at 46-2 following the dismissals of Devon Conway (10) and Henry Nicholls (16). Mitchell’s arrival at the crease immediately shifted the momentum, taking the game away from the hosts.
India’s Batting Performance
India posted a total of 284-7 in their 50 overs, with KL Rahul anchoring the innings with a well-compiled 112 not out. Shubman Gill provided a brisk start with 56 runs, but the middle order struggled to build substantial partnerships. No other Indian batter managed to surpass 30 runs, leaving Rahul to carry the bulk of the scoring obligation.
Key Moments and Series Outlook
Despite a promising start, India’s batting faltered, setting a target that ultimately proved insufficient against New Zealand’s persistent chase. will Young’s dismissal, caught by Nitish Kumar Reddy off the bowling of Kuldeep Yadav, briefly threatened to disrupt the New Zealand innings, but Mitchell and Glenn Phillips (32 runs) ensured a cozy victory with 15 balls to spare.
The series now moves to Indore for the third and final ODI on Sunday. Following the ODI series, a five-match T20 series will be played between the two sides.
Key Takeaways
- Daryl Mitchell’s century was the defining performance of the match.
- KL Rahul’s unbeaten ton was the highlight of