### Daryl Mitchell's Masterclass Leads New Zealand to Victory Over India in 2nd ODI In a thrilling encounter at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, Daryl Mitchell's unbeaten 131 propelled New Zealand to a seven-wicket victory over India in the second ODI, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. Despite KL Rahul's impressive century, which marked his first ODI ton in 26 months, it was Mitchell's performance that stole the spotlight, showcasing New Zealand's ability to adapt and execute their game plan effectively against India's bowling attack. This match highlighted India's struggles in the middle overs and raised questions about their bowling strategy, particularly in handling spin-friendly conditions. ### Breakdown of the Match and Key Performances 1. **Match Overview** - New Zealand chased down a target of 285 runs set by India, achieving victory in 47.3 overs. - Daryl Mitchell's 131 not out was instrumental, supported by Will Young's 87 runs. - KL Rahul scored 112 runs, but his efforts were overshadowed by New Zealand's strong batting performance. 2. **Bowling and Strategy** - India's bowlers, particularly the spinners, struggled to contain the New Zealand batsmen after a promising start. - The lack of a "Plan B" in the middle overs was evident, as highlighted by analysts and former players [https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/ind-vs-nz-2nd-odi-indian-bowling-exposed-kuldeep-yadav-nitish-kumar-reddy-13968850.html]. 3. **Historical Context** - This victory marked New Zealand's first ODI win against India in India since late 2022, breaking an eight-match losing streak [https://www.mensxp.com/sports/cricket/181655-ind-vs-nz-shubman-gill-gautam-gambhir-could-enter-history-books-both-for-extremely-unwanted-reasons.html]. - Daryl Mitchell's century was his eighth in ODIs, further solidifying his reputation as a key player against India [https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/daryl-mitchell-vs-kl-rahul-comparing-stats-58-odis]. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Batting Performances:** - Daryl Mitchell: 131* off 117 balls - Will Young: 87 off 90 balls - KL Rahul: 112* off 92 balls - **Match Statistics:** - India posted 284/7 in 50 overs. - New Zealand chased down the target in 47.3 overs, scoring 285/3. - **Bowling Analysis:** - India's spinners were outperformed, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja unable to take crucial wickets during the middle overs [https://www.thebridgechronicle.com/sports/india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-rajkot-report-mitchell-century-kl-rahul-as99]. ### Conclusion: Implications for the Series Ahead **New Zealand's victory in the second ODI has set the stage for a decisive third match, with both teams now level at 1-1.** The performance of Daryl Mitchell not only highlights his growing dominance in ODIs but also raises concerns for India regarding their bowling strategy and middle-over performance. As the series moves to Indore for the final match, both teams will be keen to secure a series victory, with India looking to bounce back and New Zealand aiming to capitalize on their recent success. 1. **Key Takeaway:** Daryl Mitchell's performance was pivotal in New Zealand's win, showcasing their ability to adapt and execute under pressure. 2. **Concerns for India:** The lack of effective middle-over bowling strategies needs addressing ahead of the final match. 3. **Next Steps:** The final ODI in Indore will be crucial for both teams, with the series hanging in the balance [https://www.therightnews.in/2026/01/15/new-zealand-beat-india-by-7-wickets-in-2nd-odi-to-level-three-match-series-1-1].