New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has defended his side's batting display after another modest total in the ongoing ODI series against India, saying the toss had been a decisive factor and that batting first in bowler-friendly, moisture-affected conditions had proved equally challenging for both teams.

The second ODI at the Hnry Stadium, Wellington on 7 November saw New Zealand bundled out for just 134, following their 185 in the series opener in Auckland. India scraped home in a rain-shortened chase under the DLS method, winning by four runs to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Jamieson on the Toss and Pitch Conditions

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Jamieson was measured in his assessment, pointing to the conditions rather than individual shortcomings. 'I think we’ve seen, like, probably throughout, like the tosses played a part in terms of the result. Batting first has been a little bit trickier than second, when it gets under lights and a little bit of moisture. Never any real frustration around totals and that sort of thing,' he said.

He further described the surface as displaying a 'two-paced nature' with 'a little bit more bounce' in the first couple of one-dayers, making it genuinely difficult for the side batting first to gauge a competitive target. 'Trying to assess, like, what a good score is pretty tricky. In the end, their bowlers were outstanding,' he acknowledged.

Jamieson Rejects Middle-Order Concerns

Jamieson was also quick to push back against suggestions that New Zealand's middle order was specifically at fault, arguing the challenge had been equally distributed across both batting line-ups. 'I wouldn’t say so. I mean, I think the conditions in both games have been kind of more in the bowler’s favour... it’s been equally challenging for both batting lineups,' he said.

Notably, the conditions in the ODI series have been a stark contrast to the high-scoring T20I series that preceded it. Jamieson attributed the change largely to a fresh drop-in pitch at the venue. 'I think it’s probably a little bit probably quite more what we’re used to at this ground than probably what we were for the T20,' he said, admitting a bowler’s bias in welcoming the shift.

Jamieson's Personal Performance and KL Rahul's Threat

Despite the low target, Jamieson kept New Zealand competitive with figures of 3 for 35 in his 10 overs. He revealed the bowling unit had resolved at the innings break to fight regardless of the slender total on the board. He reserved particular praise for India's KL Rahul, who made an unbeaten 26 off 38 balls to steer the chase.

'He’s obviously class, right? Like, he’s so good and such a rock-solid player at that number six... I think I’ve just about bowled to him every practice at Delhi for two months,' said Jamieson, who has had extended exposure to Rahul through his stint with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

Bigger Picture: Building Towards Test Cricket

Jamieson also addressed his broader workload management, explaining that his appearance in the domestic Ford Trophy before the series was part of a deliberate build-up ahead of the upcoming Test series against India and a subsequent tour of Australia. 'It was kind of just part of, like, that management towards this Test series, and then we’ve obviously got the Aussie series as well,' he said.

He acknowledged the mental as well as physical aspect of returning from injury concerns, adding that he felt 'things are in a pretty good place at the moment' after a productive winter following the UK Test series. The two sides now travel to Hamilton for the third ODI on Tuesday, with New Zealand needing a win to stay alive in the series.