Can Daryl Mitchell's Unstoppable 131 Lead NZ to Victory Over India?
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Synopsis
Daryl Mitchell's remarkable unbeaten 131 powered New Zealand to a thrilling seven-wicket victory over India in the second ODI. Despite a rocky start at 46/2, Mitchell's partnership with Young turned the game around. The series now heads to Indore for the decisive third match, promising more excitement.
Key Takeaways
- Daryl Mitchell scored a match-winning 131 not out.
- The partnership between Mitchell and Will Young was crucial for victory.
- India's fielding errors contributed to their defeat.
- The series is tied, setting up an exciting final match.
- Mitchell's performance showcases his growth in ODIs.
Rajkot, Jan 14 (NationPress) Daryl Mitchell delivered an astonishing performance, scoring an unbeaten 131 runs off 117 balls to propel New Zealand to a resounding seven-wicket victory against India in the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday. India's innings concluded at 284/7, highlighted by KL Rahul's composed 112 not out, marking his eighth century in One Day Internationals.
Chasing a target of 285, the visitors found themselves struggling at 46/2, but a remarkable partnership of 162 runs between Mitchell and Will Young restored stability, as they navigated the innings with skill, maintaining the run rate by rotating strikes and punishing any loose deliveries.
Although Young was dismissed for 87 runs from 98 balls with seven boundaries, Mitchell continued on his path to his eighth ODI century, featuring 11 fours and 2 sixes. His masterful assault on Kuldeep Yadav was a highlight of the innings. He received valuable support from Glenn Phillips, who contributed an unbeaten 32 runs off 25 balls.
Having previously scored hundreds against India in losing efforts, Mitchell ensured his innings secured victory this time, finishing the chase with 15 balls to spare.
India's new-ball bowlers, particularly Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana, threatened early dominance, dismissing New Zealand's openers and leaving them at 46 for 2 in the 13th over. Devon Conway fell for 16, while Henry Nicholls was bowled for 10.
Rana's challenging lengths and extra bounce troubled the batsmen. However, Young and Mitchell displayed remarkable resilience. The turning point came when Mitchell launched a counter-attack against Kuldeep, hitting him for a six and a four, which shifted the momentum of the match.
Young achieved his first fifty in just 12 ODI innings with a stylish shot off Prasidh Krishna, before falling short of a century by 14 runs.
India's fielding errors added to their woes, with missed opportunities leading to further frustrations. In the 36th over, Ravindra Jadeja and Krishna both failed to capitalize on easy chances.
With Phillips' steady innings ensuring no late hiccups, Mitchell fittingly sealed the victory with an audacious ramp shot over the wicketkeeper, finishing flat on his back in a decisive win for New Zealand. The series now shifts to Indore for a highly-anticipated series decider on Sunday.
Brief scores:
India: 284/7 in 50 overs (KL Rahul 112 not out, Shubman Gill 56; Kristian Clarke 3-56, Michael Bracewell 1-34) lost to New Zealand: 286/3 in 47.3 overs (Daryl Mitchell 131 not out, Will Young 87; Prasidh Krishna 1-49, Harshit Rana 1-52) by seven wickets.
Point of View
Daryl Mitchell's performance stands out, showcasing resilience and skill in a high-pressure match. New Zealand's ability to rebound after a shaky start reflects their depth and determination. As we move to the series decider, fans on both sides are in for an exhilarating showdown, promising action and excitement.
NationPress
15/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the 2nd ODI?
New Zealand scored 286 runs for 3 wickets, chasing down India's total of 284/7.
Who was the top scorer for New Zealand?
Daryl Mitchell was the top scorer for New Zealand with an unbeaten 131 runs.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
What was India's total score?
India scored 284 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
When will the next match take place?
The next match, which is the series decider, will take place in Indore.
