Daryl Mitchell's Commanding Century Powers New Zealand to Series-Leveling Victory
RAJKOT, India — Daryl Mitchell delivered a masterful unbeaten century to guide New Zealand to a commanding seven-wicket victory over India in the second ODI on Thursday, squaring the three-match series at 1-1.
Chasing a target of 285, the visitors comfortably reached 286-3 in just 47.3 overs, led by Mitchell's brilliant 131 not out from 117 balls. The 34-year-old all-rounder, fresh off an 84 in the series opener, formed a decisive 162-run partnership with opener Will Young (87) to dismantle the Indian bowling attack after New Zealand had stumbled to 46-2.
Mitchell's eighth ODI hundred came off 96 deliveries and he fittingly sealed the win with an audacious scooped four while falling backwards. He found able support from Glenn Phillips (32*) after Young was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav, completing the chase with 15 balls to spare.
Earlier, India posted 284-7 from their 50 overs, largely due to a resilient 112 not out from captain KL Rahul. Opener Shubman Gill contributed 56, but the innings lacked momentum as no other batter surpassed 30. The total proved insufficient against a disciplined New Zealand bowling effort, led by Doug Clarke's 3-56.
The series decider will be played in Indore on Sunday, after which both teams will contest a five-match T20 series.
