India moved to a commanding 2-0 lead in their five-match
The match, which was reduced to 47 overs per side due to weather, saw India’s pace attack dismantle the New Zealand batting lineup. The hosts were bundled out for 134 in 41 overs, struggling to find rhythm against a relentless Indian bowling unit.
Bowling dominance sets the stage
New Zealand’s innings never truly gained momentum after Auqib Nabi struck early, removing both openers, Tim Seifert and Will Young. The situation worsened when Gurnoor Brar delivered a double-wicket maiden, dismissing captain Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips to leave the hosts reeling at 53/3. Daryl Mitchell provided the only significant resistance, anchoring the innings with a patient 55 off 104 deliveries. Despite a 59-run partnership with captain Mitchell Santner, who contributed 31, the New Zealand lower order failed to capitalize, leading to their eventual collapse.
A nervous chase in Wellington
India’s pursuit of the 135-run target began in precarious fashion. Jacob Duffy made an immediate impact by dismissing Shubman Gill for a golden duck with his opening delivery, before returning to claim the wicket of Virat Kohli. The pressure intensified as Kyle Jamieson bowled a disciplined spell, reducing the visitors to 47/4. With the top order back in the pavilion, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul were tasked with stabilizing the innings.
Iyer played a crucial role, scoring 30 off 46 balls to steady the ship, while Rahul remained unbeaten on 26 from 38 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes. When rain forced the players off the field, India were 113/7. Although they were 22 runs short of the target, the DLS calculation confirmed they were four runs ahead of the par score, handing them a narrow but vital victory. The series now moves to Hamilton, with New Zealand facing a must-win scenario to keep their hopes alive.
