India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 turned into a nightmare for the hosts as a depleted Kiwi side pulled off a stunning victory. Chasing 285 on a pitch that eased under lights, New Zealand cruised home with seven wickets and 15 balls to spare. Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 131 stole the show, outshining KL Rahul’s fighting century and leveling the series at 1-1. This upset ended India’s eight-match winning streak against New Zealand in ODIs and marked the visitors’ first bilateral win in India since 2017.
For cricket fans on IPL Star, this match had plenty of IPL flavor. Daryl Mitchell, the Chennai Super Kings all-rounder, continued his purple patch against India, while Lucknow Super Giants’ skipper KL Rahul carried India’s batting almost single-handedly. With the decider in Indore looming, let’s dive into the drama that unfolded at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on January 14, 2026.
Could this be the spark for a Kiwi resurgence in subcontinental conditions? Or was it just a bad day for India’s bowlers? Share your take in the comments below – we’d love to hear from fellow IPL enthusiasts!
Match Summary and Key Result
India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 delivered a result few saw coming. Batting first after losing the toss, India posted 284/7 in 50 overs, thanks largely to KL Rahul’s unbeaten 112. Shubman Gill chipped in with 56, but the middle order faltered against a disciplined New Zealand attack led by debutant Kristian Clarke’s 3/56.
In reply, New Zealand stumbled to 46/2 early on but recovered spectacularly. Daryl Mitchell’s masterful 131* and Will Young’s 87 formed a 162-run partnership that broke India’s back. Glenn Phillips added a quick 32* to seal the deal at 286/3 in 47.3 overs. This was New Zealand’s highest successful ODI chase in India, surpassing their previous best of 283 against England in Ahmedabad during the 2023 World Cup.
The win leveled the three-match series 1-1 after India’s narrow four-wicket victory in the first ODI at Vadodara, where Virat Kohli’s 93 guided them home. Player of the Match went to Mitchell for his third century in four innings against India on Indian soil.
Quick facts:
- Toss: New Zealand won and elected to bowl.
- India’s total: Competitive but under par on a flattening pitch.
- Key stat: New Zealand ended an eight-match ODI losing streak to India.
- Turning point: Mitchell and Young’s stand shifted momentum irreversibly.
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets Lost | Top Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 284 | 50 | 7 | KL Rahul 112* |
| New Zealand | 286 | 47.3 | 3 | Daryl Mitchell 131* |
This result sets up a mouthwatering decider in Indore on January 18. Will India bounce back, or can New Zealand claim a rare series win in India?
Toss Decision and Pitch Report at Rajkot
Michael Bracewell, captaining New Zealand for the first time in ODIs due to Mitchell Santner’s groin injury, made a bold call at the toss. He opted to bowl first, citing the two-paced nature of the Niranjan Shah Stadium pitch and the potential for it to ease under lights. “We’re banking on the early assistance for our seamers and chasing under dew,” Bracewell explained post-toss.
The Rajkot surface, known for high scores, lived up to its reputation but with a twist. During the day, it offered variable bounce and grip, making strokeplay challenging. Historical data backs this: In eight ODIs at the venue, teams batting first have won six times, with an average first-innings score of 326. However, the pitch flattened dramatically in the evening, with no dew but quicker pace off the surface. This was the first successful chase in five ODIs at Rajkot, and New Zealand’s 285-run pursuit became the highest ever here.
Pitch experts noted early seam movement, which Clarke exploited brilliantly. As the sun set, batters found it easier to time the ball, explaining New Zealand’s fluent chase. Compared to the first ODI in Vadodara, where the pitch was flatter throughout, Rajkot’s day-night behavior proved decisive.
Was 284 enough on this pitch? Hindsight says no, but India’s batters struggled against the variable bounce. Bracewell’s decision paid off handsomely, highlighting his tactical acumen in his debut as skipper.
India Batting Innings – KL Rahul’s Lone Fight on a Tricky Surface
India’s innings in the India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 was a tale of starts, collapses, and one man’s resilience. Put in to bat on a pitch with early juice, the hosts started steadily but couldn’t build big.
Powerplay (Overs 1-10): Rohit Sharma (24 off 31) and Shubman Gill (56 off 53) added 70 runs. Gill looked fluent, smashing nine fours and a six, but Rohit fell to Clarke’s bounce, edging to slip.
Middle Overs (Overs 11-40): Disaster struck. Virat Kohli (23 off 28) and Shreyas Iyer (8 off 12) departed cheaply to Clarke, leaving India at 118/4. Kohli, fresh from his 93 in Vadodara, was bowled by a beauty that nipped back. Iyer poked at one outside off.
Enter KL Rahul. Batting at No. 5, the Lucknow Super Giants captain anchored with poise. His unbeaten 112 off 92 balls included 11 fours and a six, reached with a straight drive off Jamieson. This was Rahul’s eighth ODI century and second against New Zealand, matching his previous best of 112 at Mount Maunganui in 2020. He rotated strike smartly, accelerating late with sweeps and pulls.
Partnerships saved India: 73 with Ravindra Jadeja (27 off 35) for the fifth wicket, stabilizing after the top-order wobble. Then, 57 with Nitish Kumar Reddy (20 off 28), who replaced the injured Washington Sundar. Rahul’s shot selection was impeccable – 60% of his runs came square of the wicket.
Death Overs (Overs 41-50): India added 85 runs, but it felt short. Rahul’s late charge included a six to reach his ton, but lack of support limited them to 284/7.
Compared to Vadodara, where India chased successfully, Rajkot exposed middle-order vulnerabilities. Gill admitted post-match: “We couldn’t capitalize in the middle overs.” Rahul’s knock, his joint-highest in ODIs, was a masterclass in adaptation on a tricky surface.
| Partnership | Runs | Balls | Wickets | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Wicket | 70 | 85 | Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill | Steady start |
| 5th Wicket | 73 | 82 | KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja | Recovery phase |
| 6th Wicket | 57 | 61 | KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy | Late push |
| India Batting Scorecard | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma (c) | 24 | 31 | 3 | 0 | c Conway b Clarke |
| Shubman Gill | 56 | 53 | 9 | 1 | c Phillips b Lennox |
| Virat Kohli | 23 | 28 | 2 | 0 | b Clarke |
| Shreyas Iyer | 8 | 12 | 1 | 0 | c Young b Clarke |
| KL Rahul (wk) | 112* | 92 | 11 | 1 | Not Out |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 27 | 35 | 2 | 0 | c Nicholls b Bracewell |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | 20 | 28 | 1 | 1 | run out (Foulkes) |
| Harshit Rana | 5* | 8 | 0 | 0 | Not Out |
| Extras | 9 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 284/7 | 50 overs | – | – | – |
| New Zealand Bowling | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kristian Clarke | 8 | 0 | 56 | 3 | 7.00 |
| Kyle Jamieson | 10 | 2 | 70 | 1 | 7.00 |
| Zakary Foulkes | 9 | 0 | 67 | 1 | 7.44 |
| Michael Bracewell | 10 | 1 | 34 | 1 | 3.40 |
| Jayden Lennox | 10 | 0 | 42 | 1 | 4.20 |
Rahul’s century was a reminder of his class in tough situations – but was it enough?
For more stats ESPN Cricinfo.
New Zealand Bowling Masterclass – Debutant Kristian Clarke Shines
New Zealand’s bowling in India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 was a blend of discipline and debut magic. Restricting India to 284/7 on a high-scoring venue like Rajkot was a masterclass, especially without stars like Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
Kristian Clarke stole the spotlight on debut. The 22-year-old seamer claimed 3/56 in eight overs, dismissing Rohit, Kohli, and Iyer with bounce and seam movement. His spell broke India’s top order, reducing them to 118/4. “Clarke’s control was impressive,” Bracewell praised post-match.
Michael Bracewell, leading the side, bowled economically (1/34 in 10 overs), choking the middle overs. His off-spin varied pace, dismissing Jadeja. Jayden Lennox supported with 1/42 in 10, his left-arm spin keeping Gill quiet.
Kyle Jamieson (1/70 in 10) and Zakary Foulkes (1/67 in 9) were aggressive, though expensive in the death. Jamieson’s height extracted bounce, while Foulkes’ variations yielded Reddy’s run-out.
Phase-wise: Powerplay economy at 5.2 rpo, middle overs at 4.8, death at 8.5. Compared to historical NZ bowling in India, this was tight – their best restriction since 2017.
Bowling Highlights:
- Clarke’s triple strike: Turned the game.
- Bracewell’s control: Lowest economy.
- Seam support: Jamieson and Foulkes added pressure.
| New Zealand Bowling | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kristian Clarke | 8 | 0 | 56 | 3 | 7.00 |
| Kyle Jamieson | 10 | 2 | 70 | 1 | 7.00 |
| Zakary Foulkes | 9 | 0 | 67 | 1 | 7.44 |
| Michael Bracewell | 10 | 1 | 34 | 1 | 3.40 |
| Jayden Lennox | 10 | 0 | 42 | 1 | 4.20 |
| Glenn Phillips | 3 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 5.00 |
This performance showcased New Zealand’s depth, even in tough conditions.
New Zealand’s Clinical Chase – Highest Successful Run Chase in Rajkot History
New Zealand’s chase in India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 was a lesson in composure. Targeting 285, they overcame early jitters to achieve their highest successful ODI chase in India – 285 runs. This was also the first chasing win in five ODIs at Rajkot, where batting second has historically been tough.
Early pressure: Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj bowled fiery spells, restricting NZ to 34/1 in the powerplay. Devon Conway (16) edged Rana, Henry Nicholls (10) fell to Prasidh Krishna, leaving them 46/2.
Then came the turnaround. Will Young and Daryl Mitchell absorbed the pressure, then accelerated. They targeted spin, especially Kuldeep Yadav, who leaked 82 runs without a wicket.
The chase peaked in the middle overs, with boundaries flowing. Mitchell’s scoop to finish was iconic. Glenn Phillips’ 32* off 25 provided the final push.
Phase breakdowns:
- Powerplay: 46/2, cautious.
- Middle Overs: 162-run stand, run rate climbed to 6+.
- Death Overs: Effortless finish.
This chase highlighted NZ’s adaptability, ending a long drought in India.
| New Zealand Batting Scorecard | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devon Conway | 16 | 22 | 2 | 0 | c Iyer b Rana |
| Henry Nicholls | 10 | 18 | 1 | 0 | b Krishna |
| Will Young | 87 | 98 | 7 | 0 | c Kohli b Kuldeep |
| Daryl Mitchell | 131* | 117 | 10 | 3 | Not Out |
| Glenn Phillips | 32* | 25 | 4 | 1 | Not Out |
| Extras | 10 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 286/3 | 47.3 overs | – | – | – |
| India Bowling | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harshit Rana | 9.3 | 1 | 52 | 1 | 5.47 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 8 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 5.62 |
| Prasidh Krishna | 9 | 0 | 49 | 1 | 5.44 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 8 | 0 | 44 | 0 | 5.50 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 10 | 0 | 82 | 1 | 8.20 |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | 3 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 4.67 |
A chase for the ages.
Daryl Mitchell and Will Young – The Game-Changing Partnership
The 162-run third-wicket stand between Daryl Mitchell and Will Young was the heart of New Zealand’s victory in India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026. Coming together at 46/2, they turned defense into dominance over 152 balls.
Mitchell’s 131* off 117 (10 fours, 3 sixes) was masterful. He reached his century off 96 balls, dominating leg-side (84 runs at SR 147.36) with sweeps (18 runs off 8 balls, SR 225). Vs pace: 57 off 57 (SR 100); vs spin: 74 off 60 (SR 123.3). This was his eighth ODI ton, third in India vs India – a unique record.
Young’s 87 off 98 (7 fours) complemented perfectly, handling early movement before attacking spin. They rotated strike, punishing loose balls – especially Kuldeep.
The partnership broke in the 38th over when Young miscued Kuldeep, but the damage was done. Mitchell and Phillips (78* stand) finished clinically.
Stats: Stand came at over run-a-ball, shifting required rate from 6.5 to under 5.
Where India Lost the Plot – Bowling and Fielding Lapses
India’s bowling in India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 started strong but unraveled. Early spells from Harshit Rana (1/52) and Prasidh Krishna (1/49) had NZ reeling at 46/2, with swing and bounce.
But the middle overs exposed cracks. Kuldeep Yadav’s 0/82 in 10 was his most expensive spell, as Mitchell and Young swept and charged him. “We couldn’t pick wickets in the middle,” Gill said. Jadeja (0/44 in 8) was tidy but wicketless.
Fielding lapses hurt: Dropped catches of Mitchell and Young prolonged the stand. Gill highlighted recurring issues.
Economy comparison: Seamers under 6 rpo, spinners over 6.5.
Should India have attacked spinners more? Perhaps a tactical tweak is needed.
| India Bowling Figures | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harshit Rana | 9.3 | 1 | 52 | 1 | 5.47 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 8 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 5.62 |
| Prasidh Krishna | 9 | 0 | 49 | 1 | 5.44 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 8 | 0 | 44 | 0 | 5.50 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 10 | 0 | 82 | 1 | 8.20 |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | 3 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 4.67 |
A wake-up call for India’s attack.
Pivotal Moments and Turning Points
- Clarke’s debut strikes (Overs 8-12): Dismissed Rohit, Kohli, Iyer – India slump to 118/4.
- Rahul’s fifty (Over 28): Stabilized innings with Jadeja.
- Early NZ wickets (Over 10): 46/2, India in control.
- Mitchell’s attack on Kuldeep (Over 13): First boundary off spin, momentum shift.
- Mitchell-Young fifty (Over 20): Partnership builds.
- Young’s dismissal (Over 38): Broke stand, but too late.
- Mitchell’s century (Over 42): Sealed chase.
- Phillips’ flurry (Over 45-47): Quick runs end game.
- Fielding drops (Overs 25, 32): Extended key partnerships.
- Final scoop (Over 47.3): Mitchell wins it.
These moments defined the match.
Records Broken and Milestones Achieved
- Highest successful chase by NZ in India: 285, beating 283 vs England (2023).
- First chasing win in 5 ODIs at Rajkot.
- NZ’s first bilateral ODI win in India since 2017.
- Ended India’s 8-match ODI winning streak vs NZ.
- Mitchell’s 3rd century vs India in India – most by any visiting batter.
- Mitchell fastest NZ to 2500 ODI runs (53 innings).
- Rahul’s 8th ODI ton, 2nd vs NZ; first Indian WK century vs NZ.
- Clarke: 3 wickets on debut.
These feats add historical weight.
Standout Individual Performances
Daryl Mitchell (Player of the Match)
The CSK star’s 131* was flawless. Stats: 10 fours, 3 sixes; last 4 vs India in India: 130, 134, 84, 131*. “Love batting here,” he said. Career vs India: 600 runs in 10 inns at 66.66.
| Mitchell Stats | Runs | Balls | SR | Vs Pace/Spin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innings | 131* | 117 | 111.96 | Pace: 57/57 (100 SR); Spin: 74/60 (123.3 SR) |
Will Young
87 off 98 anchored the chase. Handled pace early, spin later. Partnership role key.
| Young Stats | Runs | Balls | 4s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innings | 87 | 98 | 7 | 88.78 |
KL Rahul
112* off 92 carried India. 11 fours, 1 six; joint-highest ODI score. First Indian WK ton vs NZ.
| Rahul Stats | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innings | 112* | 92 | 11/1 | 121.74 |
Kristian Clarke
3/56 on debut. Wickets of big guns.
| Clarke Stats | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innings | 8 | 56 | 3 | 7.00 |
Others: Phillips’ cameo, Rana’s early bite.
Post-Match Reactions – What the Players and Captains Said
Daryl Mitchell: “Nice for a younger group to see that you can challenge some of the best… Youngy is class, love batting with him.”
Michael Bracewell: “A pretty complete performance… the way Youngy and Daryl took the game away was outstanding.”
Shubman Gill: “We couldn’t pick up any wickets in the middle overs… if you don’t take chances, it always makes you lose.”
Will Young: “More satisfying was to get the win and share that partnership with Daryl… we backed shots against Kuldeep and it came off.”
These quotes reveal NZ’s confidence and India’s frustration over missed opportunities.
Which quote captures the match best? Comment below!
Tactical Breakdown – What Decided the Match?
New Zealand outthought India. Bowling first exploited early conditions; chasing leveraged the flattening pitch.
Batting: NZ’s partnership soaked pressure, then attacked spin. India lacked partnerships beyond Rahul.
Bowling: Kiwis varied pace; India’s spinners were predictable, Kuldeep targeted early.
Fielding: India’s drops costly; NZ sharp.
Middle-overs: India wicketless from 13-38; NZ scored freely.
Series context: After Vadodara’s thriller, NZ exposed India’s vulnerabilities.
Series Levelled 1-1 – Previewing the Indore Decider
Recap: India won Vadodara by four wickets, Kohli’s 93 key. NZ bounced back in Rajkot with youth.
Fixes: India – Middle-overs bowling, fielding. NZ – Top-order starts, Mitchell dependency.
Key battles: Kohli vs Clarke, Mitchell vs Kuldeep, Rahul vs Jamieson.
Prediction: India favorites, but NZ momentum. Poll: Who wins Indore? Comment!
Conclusion – A New Zealand Statement Victory
This win matters: First in India since 2017, with a young squad. Outlook: Rare bilateral series win possible.
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India vs New Zealand 2026 ODI Series Preview!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI Rajkot 2026
1. Who won the India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 in Rajkot? New Zealand pulled off a stunning 7-wicket victory, chasing down India’s 284/7 with 286/3 in 47.3 overs. India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 This clinical chase levelled the three-match series 1-1 and marked New Zealand’s first ODI win over India since 2023.
2. What was Daryl Mitchell’s score in the India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI Rajkot 2026? Daryl Mitchell played an unbeaten match-winning knock of 131* off 117 balls (10 fours, 3 sixes). India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 It was his third ODI century in four innings against India in India, earning him Player of the Match.
3. How did KL Rahul perform in the Rajkot ODI 2026 against New Zealand? India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 KL Rahul scored an unbeaten 112 off 92 balls (11 fours, 1 six), his eighth ODI century and second consecutive ton in the series. He single-handedly carried India’s innings after a top-order collapse.
4. What is the highest successful run chase at Rajkot in ODIs? India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 New Zealand’s 285-run chase in the 2nd ODI 2026 is now the highest successful chase in Rajkot ODI history and the highest ever by New Zealand in India, surpassing their previous record of 283 against England in the 2023 World Cup.
5. Who took the most wickets for New Zealand in the India vs New Zealand Rajkot ODI 2026? India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 Debutant Kristian Clarke shone with figures of 3/56 in 8 overs, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer in a game-changing spell.
6. Why did New Zealand win the toss and choose to bowl first in Rajkot 2026? Captain Michael Bracewell opted to bowl, expecting early assistance for seamers on a two-paced pitch and easier batting conditions under lights. India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 The decision proved spot-on as the surface flattened in the second innings.
7. When and where is the India vs New Zealand series decider in 2026? The third and deciding ODI will be played in Indore on January 18, 2026. India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 The series is levelled 1-1 after India’s win in Vadodara and New Zealand’s triumph in Rajkot.
8. Which partnership was decisive in New Zealand’s chase in the 2nd ODI Rajkot 2026? The India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 162-run third-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell (131*) and Will Young (87 off 98 balls) off just 152 balls shifted momentum decisively and broke India’s bowling attack.
9. Did Kuldeep Yadav take wickets in the India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026? India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 No, Kuldeep Yadav had an expensive wicketless spell, conceding 0/82 in 10 overs – his most costly figures as Mitchell and Young targeted him aggressively with sweeps and footwork.
10. What records did Daryl Mitchell break in the Rajkot ODI against India 2026? Mitchell became the only visiting batter with three ODI centuries against India in India. His sequence in India reads: 130, 134, 84, and 131*. India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 The win also ended India’s eight-match ODI winning streak against New Zealand.
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