In an enthralling second ODI between India and New Zealand at Rajkot on Wednesday, the visitors leveled the three-match series 1-1 with a six-wicket victory, chasing down a challenging target of 284 runs. India had posted a competitive total, thanks to some fine contributions, but New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell stole the show with a brilliant century. The match also witnessed several memorable moments, including Virat Kohli breaking a record, KL Rahul’s century celebration, and a young fan’s emotional interaction with Kohli.
Match Summary: India vs New Zealand ODI, 2nd ODI at Rajkot
| Team | Innings | Runs | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 1st | 284 | 50 | – |
| New Zealand | 2nd | 287/4 | 48.3 | Won by 6 wickets |
Venue: Rajkot
Date: Wednesday
Series: 3-match ODI series, India vs New Zealand
New Zealand successfully chased India’s target, powered by Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 112 runs. Despite India posting a formidable score, the visitors’ measured batting approach ensured they reached the target with two overs to spare.
Virat Kohli Breaks Sachin’s Record
Although Virat Kohli managed only 23 runs in the innings, he achieved a significant milestone. By scoring his first run in this match, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest run-scorer for India against New Zealand in ODIs.
- Virat Kohli: 1773 runs against New Zealand
- Sachin Tendulkar: 1750 runs against New Zealand
- Top overall scorer against New Zealand: Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 1971 runs in 50 innings
Kohli’s innings was cut short when he was bowled by Christian Clarke, caught in a similar dismissal pattern to his exit during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. Attempting a single toward the third man, Kohli edged the ball onto the stumps, leaving the crowd momentarily stunned.
KL Rahul Shines with Unbeaten Century
India’s wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul produced a brilliant innings, scoring 112 not out, equaling his best ODI score, which he had previously achieved against New Zealand in 2020. Rahul’s century was particularly significant as it marked:
- His first ODI century in India against New Zealand
- Sixth Indian to score an ODI century against New Zealand both in India and New Zealand
- Previous players: Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul’s Century Celebration
Rahul’s celebration was heartfelt and unique. After reaching his eighth ODI century with a six, he:
- Removed his helmet
- Kissed the Indian flag on his helmet
- Signaled to blow a whistle, a gesture dedicated to his daughter
This display of personal emotion added a human touch to the otherwise high-pressure international match.
Rohit Sharma Reaches 7,000 ODI Runs in Asia
Rohit Sharma, opening for India, contributed 24 runs and achieved another personal milestone by crossing 7,000 ODI runs in Asia. He became the seventh player to reach this landmark, joining a select group of cricketers from India and Sri Lanka.
New Zealand’s Record Chase in India
Chasing 284 runs, New Zealand registered its highest ODI target chased in India. Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time the team successfully chased 284 against India; they had achieved the same feat earlier in Mumbai. Daryl Mitchell’s century was pivotal, as he anchored the innings and ensured a calm, measured chase.
Memorable Moments from the Match
- Kohli Out in Familiar Fashion
Virat Kohli’s dismissal echoed his World Cup final exit. Bowled by Christian Clarke, Kohli’s edge hit the stumps as he attempted a single toward third man. His quick return to the pavilion highlighted the pressure of chasing high-scoring games. - KL Rahul’s Baby-Centric Celebration
Rahul’s century was not just a cricketing milestone but also a family moment. His gestures towards his daughter during the celebration showcased a personal, emotional side rarely seen on the field. - 15-Year-Old Fan Runs Onto the Field
One of the most heartwarming incidents occurred when a 15-year-old boy from Jamnagar managed to climb over the 6-foot stadium railing to meet Virat Kohli. The boy hugged Kohli and was visibly emotional. Stadium staff quickly intervened to escort the fan off the ground, but the incident reflected the immense adoration young fans have for Indian cricket stars. - Prasidh Krishna Drops Daryl Mitchell’s Catch
In the 36th over, Prasidh Krishna missed a crucial chance to dismiss Daryl Mitchell, who was on 82 at the time. Mitchell capitalized on the reprieve, eventually completing his century and steering New Zealand toward victory.
Player Performance Highlights: India vs New Zealand ODI, 2nd ODI
| Player | Team | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | India | 112* | 105 | 106.67 | Century, 8th ODI century, dedicated to daughter |
| Virat Kohli | India | 23 | 29 | 79.31 | Broke Sachin’s record for most runs vs NZ |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 24 | 30 | 80.00 | Completed 7,000 ODI runs in Asia |
| Daryl Mitchell | NZ | 112* | 108 | 103.70 | Anchored successful chase, century |
| Christian Clarke | NZ | 1/45 | 10 | – | Bowled Kohli, key wicket |
| Prasidh Krishna | India | 0/56 | 10 | – | Dropped crucial catch of Mitchell |
Records & Milestones: India vs New Zealand ODI
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Most runs against New Zealand (India) | Virat Kohli – 1773 runs |
| Highest ODI score by KL Rahul vs NZ | 112* (equaled personal best) |
| ODI runs in Asia milestone | Rohit Sharma – 7,000+ runs |
| Highest chase by NZ in India | 284 runs successfully chased |
| Unique fan interaction | 15-year-old Jamnagar boy hugs Kohli on-field |
Analysis and Key Takeaways
- India’s Batting Dependence on Key Players
India’s total of 284 was competitive but heavily reliant on KL Rahul’s century. While Kohli and Rohit reached personal milestones, the rest of the batting lineup couldn’t accelerate enough to post a bigger target. - New Zealand’s Composed Chase
Mitchell’s century highlighted New Zealand’s ability to chase in high-pressure conditions. The team showed patience and resilience, turning a promising total into a successful chase. - Impact of Fielding Errors
Dropped catches, particularly Prasidh Krishna’s miss, proved costly for India. This emphasizes the importance of sharp fielding in ODIs, especially when defending moderate totals. - Emotional and Human Moments
From Rahul’s family-centric celebration to the 15-year-old fan running onto the field, the match had moments beyond statistics. Such instances resonate with fans and add a human element to international cricket.
Looking Ahead: 3rd ODI
With the series now leveled at 1-1, the third and final ODI will be decisive. Both teams will aim to leverage key players:
- India: Will look to Rohit, Kohli, and Rahul to provide consistent performances and strengthen fielding.
- New Zealand: Will rely on Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson, and their stable batting unit to continue successful chases.
Fans can expect an exciting finale as the Rajkot contest sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the India vs New Zealand ODI series.
Conclusion
The second ODI between India and New Zealand was a memorable contest filled with records, individual brilliance, and human emotions. While India had moments of glory with Kohli and Rahul’s personal milestones, New Zealand’s composed batting, led by Daryl Mitchell, ensured a successful chase. The match reinforced cricket’s unpredictable nature and its ability to inspire fans, from records being broken to young supporters expressing their admiration on the field.
With the series now poised at 1-1, the final ODI promises drama, high stakes, and potentially more historic moments, keeping fans across the world glued to the action.
