Mitchell century powers New Zealand to historic chase in India

AFP | Rajkot

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Daryl Mitchell produced a commanding unbeaten century as New Zealand pulled off their highest successful run chase in India, beating the hosts by seven wickets in the second one-day international in Rajkot yesterday to level the threematch series 1-1.

Chasing 285, New Zealand reached 286 for 3 in 47.3 overs, with Mitchell’s 131 not out off 117 balls steering the visitors home with 15 deliveries remaining at the Niranjan Shah Stadium.

New Zealand’s reply had wobbled early as India’s fast bowlers reduced them to 46 for 2 before Mitchell and Will Young turned the contest around with a decisive 162-run stand for the third wicket.

Young made a composed 87 off 98 balls, giving Mitchell the platform to attack India’s spinners, particularly Kuldeep Yadav, as the pitch quickened under the evening lights and New Zealand ended an eight-match losing streak against India in one-day internationals.

Earlier, India posted 284 for 7, built around a high-class unbeaten 112 from KL Rahul after the hosts were sent in to bat on a surface that gripped in the afternoon.

Shubman Gill had earlier struck 56 to help India to a strong start before New Zealand’s bowlers, led by seamer Kristian Clarke with figures of 3 for 56, applied the brakes through the middle overs.

Mitchell, who brought up his eighth ODI hundred, was named player of the match after finishing the chase alongside Glenn Phillips, who contributed an aggressive unbeaten 32 off 25 balls.

The result gave Rajkot’s new stadium its first successful ODI chase in five matches and set up a high-stakes series decider in Indore, where batters are expected to dominate in traditionally high-scoring conditions.