New Zealand Batsmen Master the Sweep to Counter Kuldeep's Threat
New Zealand leveled the ODI series against India with a commanding performance in Rajkot. The visitors chased down India's target of 285 runs with surprising ease. Their victory centered on a brilliant partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Will Young.
Mitchell and Young Forge Match-Winning Stand
Daryl Mitchell scored a magnificent century, finishing unbeaten on 118. Will Young provided excellent support with 89 runs. Together, they added 162 runs for the third wicket. This partnership completely shifted the momentum of the game.
Their approach against India's spin attack, particularly Kuldeep Yadav, was both calculated and aggressive. From the moment Kuldeep entered the attack in the 21st over, the Kiwi batsmen executed a clear plan.
The Sweep Shot Becomes the Weapon of Choice
Young reverse-swept Kuldeep's second ball for a single. Mitchell then charged down the pitch to hit a massive six over cow corner. He followed that immediately with a perfectly executed paddle sweep for four.
This set the pattern for the entire innings. The New Zealand batsmen used their feet brilliantly. They moved down the track to drive, shuffled across to off stump, and most importantly, employed the sweep shot repeatedly.
Their strategy created constant pressure on Kuldeep. Even when he bowled good deliveries, the batsmen's footwork and shot selection made them look ordinary. The flat Rajkot pitch offered little assistance, but New Zealand's planning was exceptional.Kuldeep Struggles Despite Late Breakthrough
Kuldeep Yadav conceded 41 runs in his first five-over spell. He returned later in the innings but continued to struggle. Young hit him for consecutive boundaries in the 35th over, showcasing New Zealand's dominance.
The left-arm wrist spinner finally claimed a wicket in the 38th over. Young attempted an ambitious pull shot off a slower googly and skied it to midwicket. This gave India a brief moment of hope.
That hope was quickly extinguished. Mitchell survived an lbw appeal next over after a successful DRS review showed an inside edge. He then guided New Zealand home with Glenn Phillips in a composed partnership.
Mitchell's Century Seals the Victory
Mitchell reached his hundred in the 42nd over with a simple push down the ground. He celebrated by revealing his shaven head and punching his bat in joy. Even Virat Kohli applauded the quality of the innings from the field.
The New Zealand batsman played several innovative shots in the closing stages. One particular lap-scoop over the wicketkeeper's head against Mohammed Siraj stood out for its timing and execution.
Mitchell had the final word against Kuldeep too. In the 46th over, he kneeled and lapped a googly around the corner for another boundary. This shot symbolized New Zealand's complete control during the chase.
India's Innings Built on Rahul's Gritty Century
Earlier, India posted 284 runs thanks largely to KL Rahul's determined century. He became the first Indian batsman to score an ODI hundred at Rajkot's Niranjan Shah Stadium. His innings helped India recover from a difficult position.
However, the total proved insufficient against New Zealand's well-planned chase. The series now stands evenly poised at 1-1 heading into the decisive third match.
The Rajkot pitch played flat throughout the day. As temperatures dropped in the evening, conditions became even better for batting. New Zealand exploited these conditions perfectly with their aggressive yet smart approach against spin.
