Daryl Mitchell's Century Leads New Zealand to Victory Against India in Second ODI
Mitchell's Match-Winning Performance
Rajkot (Gujarat) [India], January 15: Following his impressive unbeaten century that secured a win in the second ODI against India, New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell shared insights on his role within the team and his enjoyment of batting alongside Will Young against spin bowlers.
In the post-match presentation, Mitchell emphasized the importance of adapting to various game situations and highlighted their aggressive approach against Kuldeep Yadav.
"Winning feels great, especially since we hadn't achieved it here in a couple of years. I'm just thrilled to contribute to the team's success. Playing for New Zealand is always a pleasure. Batting with Will Young is enjoyable; he’s a talented player, and we have a good time together. He handled the spinners well and utilized all his options effectively. It was fantastic to secure a significant victory. Regarding Kuldeep, I consider him one of the world's top bowlers, capable of turning the ball both ways. Adapting to the circumstances was crucial, and I aimed to capitalize on my opportunities once I got in," Mitchell stated, as reported by a sports media outlet.
Captain Bracewell Praises Team Effort
New Zealand's captain, Michael Bracewell, expressed pride in his team's performance during a successful chase. He noted that it was a classic Kiwi display and that they were prepared to chase any target.
"This was a comprehensive performance, and I’m proud of the team. We felt confident at the halfway mark. Our bowling was impressive, showcasing a typical Kiwi style. We were ready to chase anything. The bowlers did well, and the way the players managed the pressure was commendable. Daryl and Young took control of the game against India. The batters effectively read the conditions, and we take pride in our adaptability and aggressive approach. Our debutant bowler performed admirably, especially considering the challenges of debuting in India," Bracewell remarked.
Match Summary
In the match, India set a challenging target of 284/7 in their 50 overs after opting to bat first. Captain Shubman Gill contributed 56 runs off 53 balls, hitting nine fours and a six, while Rohit Sharma added 24 runs from 38 deliveries, including four boundaries.
Virat Kohli scored 23 runs off 29 balls, while wicketkeeper KL Rahul achieved his eighth ODI century, remaining not out at 112 runs from 92 balls, featuring 11 fours and a six.
For New Zealand, bowlers Kyle Jamieson (1/70), Zakary Foulkes (1/67), Kristian Clarke (3/56), Jayden Lennox (1/42), and captain Michael Bracewell (1/34) took wickets.
Chasing a target of 285 runs, Will Young delivered a stellar performance, scoring 87 runs off 98 balls with seven fours. He formed a remarkable 162-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell, who finished with an unbeaten 131 runs off 117 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, leading New Zealand to their highest successful ODI chase in India.
The visitors triumphed by seven wickets, leveling the three-match ODI series at 1-1. For India, Harshit Rana (1/52), Prasidh Krishna (1/49), and Kuldeep Yadav (1/82) were among the wicket-takers.