New Zealand defeated India by 7 wickets in the New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI as Daryl Mitchell and Will Young scripted a record chase to level the series 1–1
New Zealand produced a composed and fearless batting display to defeat India by seven wickets in the New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI, levelling the three-match series 1–1 in Rajkot. After winning the toss and opting to field on a batting-friendly surface, the visitors restricted India to a competitive but chaseable total. A stunning partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Will Young then dismantled India’s bowling plans, sealing one of New Zealand’s most memorable ODI wins on Indian soil.
Match Summary
India vs New Zealand – 2nd ODI
New Zealand Tour of India 2026 • Rajkot
India posted 284 for 7 after a fluctuating innings that promised more at the halfway mark. Despite early momentum and a brilliant century from KL Rahul, the hosts lost control in the middle overs as New Zealand’s bowlers tightened the screws. In reply, New Zealand weathered early pressure before Mitchell and Young combined for a match-defining stand. Once set, the duo dictated terms, neutralised India’s spinners, and ensured the required rate never spiralled. Mitchell’s unbeaten century guided New Zealand home with ease, completing their highest successful ODI chase in India.
First Innings – KL Rahul's Classy Century
India began steadily with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill laying a solid foundation in the powerplay. Gill looked particularly fluent and brought up a classy half-century, while Virat Kohli showed glimpses of form before falling during a sudden middle-order slowdown. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling squeezed India, leading to a collapse from a strong position. Rahul then anchored the innings with maturity, building a crucial partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. His acceleration in the final ten overs lifted India to 284, a total that appeared competitive but ultimately fell short on a placid surface.
Second Innings – New Zealand Chase
New Zealand’s chase did not begin explosively, as Indian pacers extracted movement with the new ball and reduced the visitors to 46 for 2. However, the arrival of Mitchell transformed the innings. Young initially played second fiddle before growing in confidence, and once the pair settled, India struggled to apply pressure. They targeted the spinners smartly, rotated strike efficiently, and punished loose deliveries. The 162-run partnership all but sealed the contest, keeping the asking rate comfortably under control. Even after Young’s dismissal, Mitchell ensured there were no late jitters, reaching his century and finishing the chase in style to hand New Zealand a commanding victory.
Top Performers
Daryl Mitchell - Player of the Match - 131* off 117 | 3rd ODI Century vs India | Anchors NZ’s Highest Chase in India
Daryl Mitchell delivered a masterclass in ODI batting, scoring an unbeaten 131 that showcased both power and intelligence. He paced his innings superbly, absorbing pressure early before launching calculated attacks against spin. Mitchell’s ability to manipulate the field, especially against Kuldeep Yadav, shifted momentum decisively.
This was his third ODI century against India and arguably his most impactful, as he stayed till the end to finish the chase. His knock underlined his reputation as one of New Zealand’s most reliable performers in high-pressure run chases.
Will Young - 87 off 98 | 162-Run Stand | Sets the Platform in Record Chase
Will Young played the perfect supporting role with a composed 87, providing stability during the most critical phase of the chase. After a cautious start, Young grew in assurance and capitalised on India’s spinners with inventive strokeplay, including reverse sweeps and well-timed cuts. His partnership with Mitchell was built on constant communication and smart game awareness. By holding one end firmly, Young allowed Mitchell the freedom to dominate, making his innings vital in breaking India’s grip on the match.
KL Rahul - 112* off 92 | 8th ODI Hundred
A magnificent strike to get to the three figure mark, @klrahul was an absolute delight to watch 🫡🫡#TeamIndia #INDvNZ #2ndODI @IDFCfirstbank pic.twitter.com/S5ECgG49XQ
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2026
KL Rahul was the standout performer for India with a composed and high-quality century that held the innings together when wickets kept falling around him. Walking in during a tricky phase, Rahul showed excellent game awareness, rotating strike smartly and absorbing pressure through the middle overs. He switched gears beautifully at the death, finding boundaries without taking undue risks and finishing unbeaten on 112. On a surface that slowed down as the innings progressed, Rahul’s calm presence and flawless timing ensured India posted a competitive total despite a stuttering middle order.
Watch: What Ravi Shastri and Ian Smith had to say about KL Rahul’s innings
What This Result Means
The win in the New Zealand vs India 2nd ODI has breathed new life into the series, levelling it at 1–1 and setting up a high-stakes decider in Indore. For New Zealand, this victory is historically significant, ending a long losing streak against India in ODIs and marking their highest successful chase on Indian soil. It also highlights the depth and resilience of a relatively inexperienced squad. For India, the defeat exposes concerns around middle-overs bowling and fielding efficiency, areas that must improve quickly. With momentum now evenly balanced, the final ODI promises an intense and closely fought contest.
