A disciplined and aggressive Indian bowling unit dismantled New Zealand in the second ODI in Wellington on Saturday, skittling the hosts for just 134 runs. The performance, highlighted by an extraordinary 176 dot balls, forced the Black Caps into an unwanted record, marking their lowest all-out total against India in home conditions.
After captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl in a match reduced to 47 overs per side due to rain, the Indian attack immediately seized control.
A clinical display of pace and control
The tone was set early by Auqib Nabi, who claimed his first international wicket by dismissing Tim Seifert for a duck, thanks to a sharp diving catch by Kamboj at mid-wicket. Arshdeep Singh, who finished with an economical 0/16 from seven overs, maintained immense pressure alongside Kamboj, who conceded only 25 runs in his eight-over spell. By the end of the first powerplay, New Zealand were reeling at 29/3.
Brar then took center stage, tearing through the middle order with a devastating spell. He claimed two wickets in a single maiden over, removing captain Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips with short-pitched deliveries that the batters failed to control. Although Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner attempted a recovery with a 59-run partnership, the momentum remained firmly with the visitors. Mitchell, who survived an early drop by Gill, eventually fell for 55 off 104 balls to Axar Patel, before Brar returned to account for Santner, who edged a fuller delivery to wicketkeeper KL Rahul.
Record-breaking misery for the hosts
The final total of 134 represents a new low for New Zealand in home ODIs against India, eclipsing the previous mark of 142 set in Auckland in 1994. This collapse marks the second consecutive ODI in the series where the Black Caps have been bundled out for under 200 runs, a trend not seen for the team since early 2001 against Sri Lanka.
The relentless accuracy of the Indian bowlers, who denied the New Zealand lineup any room to maneuver, proved the decisive factor in the contest. With the series dynamics shifting following this dominant display, the Indian side will look to build on the momentum generated by their young bowling core.
