Centurion Mitchell and Young steer New Zealand to thumping seven-wicket win over India, level three-match ODI series 1-1

India’s inability to pick wickets in the middle overs proved costly as New Zealand ended their eight-match losing streak with a comfortable seven-wicket win in Rajkot on Wednesday. This was also New Zealand’s highest successful chase in India. The Kiwis levelled the three-match series 1-1 and took the fight to the last game to be played in Indore on January 18.

India began well as they ran up 57 without loss in the powerplay but thereafter they lost their way. The hosts lost five wickets and scored 142 in the middle phase of the innings. But for KL Rahul’s timely century, India would have ended up with much less than the 284 for seven they eventually got.

On the other hand, the Kiwis started off slowly as they could manage only 34 for one in the powerplay period. But Will Young (87) and Daryl Mitchell (131 no) strung a fantastic partnership to put their side on top. New Zealand scored 193 in the middle phase and lost just two wickets. That proved the turning point of the game as, thereafter, it was just going through the motions and New Zealand made 287 for three in 47.3 overs.

The Indian pacers did a fantastic job early in the innings as they reduced the visitors to 46 for two but things changed when Mitchell targeted spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep went for 82 on this day as Mitchell and Young added 162 for the third wicket. Then Mitchell went on to get his eighth hundred as he and Glenn Phillips added 78 for the unbroken fourth wicket which sealed the issue. New Zealand made 286 for three with 15 balls to spare.

Indian skipper Shubnam Gill, who scored 56 off 53 balls, nailed it when he said, “We couldn’t pick up any wickets in the middle overs, and if you don’t do that with five players inside the circle, it becomes very difficult. We would have lost even with 15-20 runs extra.”

“We did get a decent start with the ball, but they batted very well in the middle overs. In the first 10-15 overs that we bowled, the ball was doing well. After that the wicket settled. But we could have been braver, and taken more chances,” he added.

Gill also said the 284 they got was lesser than expected. “When you have a partnership, the set batter should have gone on,” he said.

KL Rahul brought up his hundred with a six. He finished with an unbeaten 112. Pic: BCCI

Apart from Gill, Rohit Sharma (24) and Virat Kohli (23) got starts but could not build upon it. It was left to Rahul to take India to a total which could be defended. He scored a 92-ball unbeaten 112 with 11 fours and a six. Rahul added 73 for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (27) and 57 for the sixth wicket with Nitish Kumar Reddy (20). India mustered 284 for seven in 50 overs, which in the end proved a below par score.

The Indian fielding too was less than desirable. “Even in the last match we let down a few chances. We are always trying to get better in the field and yes if you don’t take your chances, you will be in trouble,” he said.

On the other hand, New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell was ecstatic. “It is a complete performance from us and proud of the team. We were very happy at the halfway point. We bowled very well. It was a typical Kiwi performance with the ball. We were ready to chase anything, really. They bowled really well, and the way the guys adapted and soaked up the pressure was great. Daryl and Young then took the game away from India,” he said.

“I think he is one of the best bowlers in the world, can turn it both ways. It was about adapting to different situations. He was going to be a massive bowler and it was about finding different options against him. It is my job that when you get in, you take it to the end,” said Mitchell on attacking spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

“It is really nice to win. We haven’t won here for a couple of years. Nice to get a win. I am just enjoying doing the job for the country. Anytime I play for them is great,” Mitchell said.

Brief scores: India 284/7 in 50 overs (Rohit Sharma 24, Shubman Gill 56, Virat Kohli 23, KL Rahul 112 no, Ravindra Jadeja 27, Nitish Kumar Reddy 20; Kristian Clarke 3/56) lost to New Zealand 286/3 in 47.3 overs (Will Young 87, Daryl Mitchell 131 no, Glenn Phillips 32 no).