IND vs NZ 2nd ODI: Team India had to face a crushing defeat against New Zealand. In the second ODI played in Rajkot, India batted first and scored a challenging score of 284 runs, but the Kiwi team achieved the target in 47.3 overs and won the match by 7 wickets. Even KL Rahul’s brilliant century could not save India from defeat.
Indian bowlers looked completely lackluster in this match. On the flat pitch, the bowlers were seen yearning to take wickets. New Zealand’s Darrell Mitchell played an excellent inning of 131 not out, while Will Young supported him by scoring 87 runs. Both the batsmen made Indian bowling look ordinary and never came under pressure.
Talking about batting, apart from Shubhman Gill (56) and KL Rahul (100), other batsmen did not live up to the expectations. Due to continuous fall of wickets in the middle order, India could not cross 300 runs, which was considered a safe score on this pitch. This shortcoming proved costly in the end.
Team India’s fielding during the match was also disappointing. Easy chances were missed, catches were dropped and there was carelessness in stopping runs. New Zealand’s batsmen got the direct benefit of this and they took full advantage of the opportunity.
With the loss of IND vs NZ 2nd ODI the series is now level at 1-1. Now everyone’s eyes are on the third and decisive match to be played on January 18 at Holkar Stadium, Indore. If India wants to win the series, then fielding and death over bowling will have to improve at all costs.
