KL Rahul's Century Leads India to 284 Against New Zealand in Second ODI

In a thrilling second ODI against New Zealand, KL Rahul's unbeaten century helped India set a challenging target of 284 runs. After a cautious start, India faced a middle-order collapse but Rahul's steady innings anchored the team. With significant contributions from Shubman Gill, the Indian side managed to post a competitive score. New Zealand's bowlers, led by Kristian Clarke, struggled to contain the runs. This match highlights the resilience of the Indian batting lineup and sets the stage for an exciting series ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 14, 2026, 18:05 IST

India Sets a Challenging Target

In the second ODI of the three-match series held at Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday, KL Rahul's remarkable unbeaten century propelled India to a total of 284 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs against New Zealand.

Strong Start for India

Opting to bat first, India began cautiously, scoring 18 runs without loss in the first six overs. However, Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill quickly accelerated the innings, reaching 57 runs without losing a wicket by the end of the 10th over.

Wickets Fall in Quick Succession

In the 13th over, Kristian Clarke claimed the wicket of Sharma, who scored 24 runs off 38 balls, including four boundaries. Sharma's dismissal ended the solid opening partnership of 70 runs.

Shubman Gill reached his half-century on the last ball of the 15th over, contributing to the team's score of 87 for 1. This marked Gill's fifth fifty-plus score in just seven ODI innings against New Zealand in India.

However, Kyle Jamieson struck again, removing Gill for 56 runs off 53 balls, which included nine fours and one six. The Indian batting lineup faced further challenges as Clarke dismissed Shreyas Iyer for 8 runs and Virat Kohli for 23 runs, leaving India at a precarious 120 for 4.

KL Rahul Steadies the Ship

Despite the early setbacks, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja formed a crucial partnership, stabilizing the innings after India reached 142 for 4 in 30 overs. Their 73-run partnership was broken when Jadeja was caught off a brilliant caught and bowled by Michael Bracewell on the first ball of the 39th over.

Rahul reached his 21st half-century in the 40th over, as India moved to 199 for 5. However, Zakary Foulkes dismissed Nitish Kumar Reddy for 20 runs, leaving India at 255 for 6 in 47 overs.

Rahul's Century and Final Score

In a remarkable display, KL Rahul completed his eighth ODI century off just 87 balls during the last ball of the 49th over. His century was pivotal as India found themselves in a tough position at 191 for 5.

Rahul's innings concluded with an impressive total of 112 runs from 92 balls, featuring 11 fours and one six, helping India secure a total of 284 runs for 7 wickets.

New Zealand's Bowling Performance

New Zealand's bowling attack saw contributions from Kyle Jamieson (1/70), Zakary Foulkes (1/67), Kristian Clarke (3/56), Jayden Lennox (1/42), and captain Michael Bracewell (1/34).

Match Summary

Final score: India 284/7 in 50 overs (KL Rahul 112*, Shubman Gill 56; Kristian Clarke 3/56) vs New Zealand.