New Zealand Levels ODI Series Against India with Seven-Wicket Victory

New Zealand Triumphs in Rajkot ODI

In a thrilling encounter at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, New Zealand secured a seven-wicket victory over India, equalizing the three-match ODI series at 1-1. Despite a commendable century from KL Rahul, who scored 121 runs, Daryl Mitchell's outstanding unbeaten 131 led the Kiwis to successfully chase down a target of 285 runs, setting the stage for a decisive final match in Indore.

Match Overview

India batted first, posting a total of 284 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. However, New Zealand managed to reach the target with 15 balls remaining, thanks to significant contributions from Mitchell, Will Young (87), and Glenn Phillips (32), who played crucial roles in the chase.

Key Takeaways from the Match

1. Shubman Gill's Return: After missing the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, Shubman Gill returned to the ODI team with renewed vigor, scoring 56 runs in the series opener and 56 runs in the Rajkot match, showcasing his return to form.

2. Early Partnerships: The opening partnership between Gill and Rohit Sharma was promising, yielding 70 runs before a batting collapse saw India lose three wickets for just 28 runs, shifting momentum to New Zealand.

3. KL Rahul's Century: KL Rahul's century was pivotal, as he steadied the innings after early setbacks, forming crucial partnerships that helped India reach a competitive total.

4. Bowling Struggles: Despite early breakthroughs, Indian bowlers struggled in the middle overs, allowing New Zealand to build a strong partnership that ultimately led to their victory.

5. ICC Rankings Battle: Virat Kohli regained the top position in the ICC ODI Batters' Rankings, but his performance in the Rajkot match (23 runs) puts pressure on him for the final ODI, as Daryl Mitchell closely trails him.