Fans in awe as Daryl Mitchell’s classy ton seals New Zealand’s victory against India in 2nd ODI

Jan 14, 2026

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Fans in awe as Daryl Mitchell’s sublime century powers New Zealand past India in 2nd ODI

Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot witness to a batting clinic on January 14, 2026, as New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell silenced a raucous Indian crowd in the second ODI. With the series on the line, Mitchell produced an innings of sheer resilience and tactical brilliance, steering the Black Caps toward a series-leveling victory. Chasing a competitive target of 285, the visitors found their hero in Mitchell, whose eighth career century guided the Kiwis to a 7 wicket victory.

Daryl Mitchell’s majestic ton anchors the New Zealand pursuit in second ODI

The defining moment of the afternoon arrived in the 42nd over. Facing a disciplined Harshit Rana, Mitchell nudged a delivery down to long-on for a single to reach his 100 off just 96 deliveries. The celebration was a picture of poise; Mitchell removed his helmet and raised his bat toward the dugout, acknowledging a dressing room that knew the weight of his contribution.

His innings was a masterclass in pacing an ODI chase. While the Indian bowlers managed to stifle the scoring early on—leaving the Kiwis at a precarious 46/2—Mitchell combined forces with Will Young (87 off 98) to forge a massive 162-run partnership for the third wicket. Mitchell’s knock was punctuated by eight boundaries and two towering sixes, showcasing his ability to switch gears from a consolidator to an aggressor. Even after Young fell to Kuldeep Yadav in the 38th over, Mitchell remained the immovable object, surviving a tense DRS review in the same over to ensure he stayed till the end.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Harshit Rana castles Devon Conway with an absolute jaffa in 2nd ODI at Rajkot

New Zealand’s clinical finish levels the series 1-1 at Rajkot

Earlier in the day, India’s innings was a story of starts that failed to convert into match-winning totals. Shubman Gill (56) and KL Rahul (112)* were the standout performers, with Rahul playing a brilliant lone hand to guide India to 284/7. The New Zealand bowling unit, however, remained disciplined. Kristian Clarke was the pick of the bowlers, dismantling the Indian middle order—including the prized scalps of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—to finish with figures of 3/56.

Despite India’s late-innings surge fueled by Rahul’s unbeaten century, the total proved insufficient on a Rajkot surface that stayed true under the lights. The match flow favoured the visitors once the dew began to settle. The final assault was led by the finisher Glenn Phillips, who smashed a quickfire 32* off 25 balls, ensuring there were no late hiccups.

New Zealand reached the target of 286 with 15 balls to spare, ending the match at 286/3 in 47.3 overs. This comprehensive 7-wicket victory not only levels the series but also shifts the psychological advantage back to the Kiwis heading into the series finale. For India, the search for death-over consistency continues, while for New Zealand, Mitchell has once again proven why he is the backbone of their white-ball setup.

Also WATCH: KL Rahul celebrates memorable Rajkot ODI century with a special gesture for his daughter

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.

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