India wins rain-interrupted match, takes a 2-0 lead in the ODI series against New Zealand
India held its nerve to pull off a thrilling victory against New Zealand in the rain-affected second ODI, winning by four runs to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
XtraTime Web Desk
India held its nerve to pull off a thrilling victory against New Zealand in the rain-affected second ODI, winning by four runs to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
It was a contest dominated by the fast bowlers. India's pace attack produced a fiery performance to bowl out New Zealand for just 134 runs. The match had been reduced to 47 overs due to rain, but the Kiwis were dismissed in just 41 overs.
Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner were the only batters who managed to offer some resistance. Mitchell played a patient knock of 55 off 104 balls, while Santner contributed 31 off 38 deliveries.
Gurnoor Brar was India's most successful bowler, picking up four wickets. Aaqib Nabi, Anshul Kamboj and Axar Patel chipped in with two wickets apiece.
India, however, suffered an early setback in the chase. Jacob Duffy struck with the very first ball of his spell, dismissing Shubman Gill. In the following over, he sent Virat Kohli back to the pavilion. Kyle Jamieson then picked up two wickets in quick succession, leaving India struggling at 47 for four.
In a low-scoring encounter, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul stepped up to rebuild the innings. Iyer scored 30 off 46 balls, while Rahul remained unbeaten on 26 from 38 deliveries to guide India through a tense finish.
New Zealand will need to address several weaknesses if they are to stop India in the remaining matches of the series.
