The second ODI between India and New Zealand delivered fireworks as Daryl Mitchell (118) and Glenn Phillips (135) notched up brilliant hundreds, helping the hosts reach 337/6. India faces a mountainous 338-run pursuit to seal the series at Auckland’s iconic Eden Park.
New Zealand’s batting lineup clicked from the outset after skipper Kane Williamson opted to set a total. Openers Finn Allen (22) and Rachin Ravindra (34) survived the new ball before the middle order exploded. The Mitchell-Phillips duo dominated proceedings with a 182-run blitz that left India’s bowlers searching for answers.
Mitchell’s knock was a lesson in temperament – patient accumulation followed by calculated aggression. Phillips, meanwhile, embodied destruction, hammering spinners and pacers alike. His dismissal triggered a mini-collapse, but handy unbeaten knocks from Chapman (25*) stabilized the innings.
Bowling analysis revealed Mohammed Shami as India’s standout (2/62), yet the attack conceded runs at will on a flat track. The dew factor could aid the chasing side later, but New Zealand’s potent seamers remain a handful. This performance revives memories of their 2021 home summer dominance over India.
India’s response hinges on fireworks from Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. A win here hands them the series; a loss sets up a nervy finale. New Zealand’s resurgence signals their intent to reclaim ODI supremacy Down Under.