In the second match of the five-game ODI series in Wellington, India claimed a hard-fought four-run victory over New Zealand, determined by the Duckworth-Lewis method after rain interrupted play. The visitors initially struggled to chase a modest target of 135 runs, finding themselves in deep trouble at 47 for four wickets. A vital 39-run partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Lokesh Rahul offered a glimmer of hope before the weather took center stage, preventing further play.
New Zealand’s innings concluded at just 134 runs after they were sent in to bat first. The home side suffered early setbacks, losing three wickets for only 23 runs. Akib Nabi removed both openers, while Anshul Kamboj dismissed Henry Nicholls. Gurnoor Brar then dismantled the middle order, taking career-best figures of four wickets for 30 runs, including the dismissals of Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips in a single over, followed by Mitchell Santner.
India’s pursuit began disastrously. Shubman Gill departed for a golden duck, while Virat Kohli managed only seven runs. Captain Rohit Sharma looked promising, hitting four boundaries before being caught off Kyle Jamieson. Following the loss of Axar Patel, the team was reeling at 47 for four. However, the intervention of rain saved the day for the Indians. With 22 runs required from the final 21 overs and three wickets in hand, the match was called off, handing India the narrow win via the DLS method.
