NZ vs IND – 2nd ODI Review: New Zealand overcome resurgent India to seal series
New Zealand recorded a sensational 22-run victory over India in the second of the three-match series and took an unassailable 2-0 lead. The hosts overcame their wobble with the bat and managed to post 273/8 in their 50 overs at Eden Park, Auckland. India also attempted a stunning comeback but it was thwarted by the Black Caps to end up on the winning side. Debutant Kyle Jamieson won the Man of the Match award for his all-round performance.
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New Zealand slip after a steady start
Inserted to bat first at the irregularly shaped Eden Park, New Zealand openers ensured a steady start. Martin Guptill (79) and Henry Nicholls added 93 runs for the opening wicket. Tom Blundell at number three continued the momentum as New Zealand reached 142/1.
Brought into this match in place of Kuldeep Yadav, legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Nicholls. The wicket sparked a sensational collapse as the home side went on to lose seven wickets for just 55 runs. Ross Taylor withstood the downfall and then stitched a fantastic 76-run partnership with Kyle Jamieson. On his debut, Jamieson scored 25(24) not out while Taylor finished unbeaten on 73 as New Zealand ended with 273 runs on the board.
India stumble despite Iyer’s brilliance
Prithvi Shaw’s boundary filled 24 from 19 balls gave India a confident start but the opponents clawed back by taking quick wickets. The dismissals of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul added an enormous responsibility on the middle order. Shreyas Iyer completed his fifty comfortably but lost his wicket after a wayward shot.
Jadeja-Saini stage a recovery
At 153/7, India were all but out of the game. However, Navdeep Saini and Ravindra Jadeja reignited hopes. Saini’s entertaining 45 from 49 brought the victory into the realms of possibility. Jadeja kept up the fight but he was unable to force the pace. His dismissal confirmed the 22-run defeat.
India and New Zealand will play the third and final ODI on 11th February.