Daryl Mitchell Shines with Century, Matching New Zealand Legends Against India

Mitchell's Record-Breaking Performance

In Rajkot, Gujarat, on January 14, New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell showcased his exceptional talent against India, tying with cricket legends Chris Cairns and Ross Taylor for the second-most centuries by a New Zealand player in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against India.

During the second ODI held in Rajkot, Mitchell delivered a stellar performance, scoring an unbeaten 131 runs off 117 balls, which included 11 boundaries and two sixes. His partnership with Will Young, which yielded 162 runs for the third wicket, was pivotal in securing victory for New Zealand.

This century marks Mitchell's third against India in ODIs, placing him alongside Cairns and Taylor. Nathan Astle leads with five centuries in just 29 innings against India. Remarkably, Mitchell achieved his three centuries in only 10 innings, with two of those coming during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, including a semifinal match where he chased down 398 runs.

Additionally, this century is Mitchell's third ODI century in India, tying him with Rachin Ravindra for the second-most centuries by a New Zealand player in the country, just behind Astle's four.

In his 12 matches against India, Mitchell has amassed 604 runs in 10 innings, boasting an impressive average of 67.11 and a strike rate of 95.11, which includes three centuries and two fifties.

Overall, in 15 matches and 14 innings played in India, he has scored 801 runs at an outstanding average of 66.75 and a strike rate exceeding 101, with three centuries and three fifties to his name.

In the match, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first. India’s Rohit Sharma scored 24 runs off 38 balls, while captain Shubman Gill contributed 56 runs off 53 balls, helping to establish a 70-run opening partnership. However, they faltered due to a brilliant bowling performance from Kristian Clarke, who took 3 wickets for 56 runs, dismissing Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer.

India managed to reach 284 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to KL Rahul's 73-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (27 runs) and a 57-run partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy (20 runs).

In response, New Zealand faced early setbacks, losing two wickets for just 43 runs. However, a remarkable 162-run partnership between Mitchell (131* off 117 balls) and Young (87 off 98 balls) along with a 78-run partnership with Glenn Phillips (32* off 25 balls) led New Zealand to a comfortable victory, with Mitchell earning the 'Player of the Match' accolade.