Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar admitted he felt surprised by New Zealand's performance in the second ODI. The Black Caps chased down a target of 285 runs with remarkable ease at Rajkot's Niranjan Shah Stadium. This victory allowed New Zealand to level the three-match series at 1-1.
New Zealand's Record Chase in India
Daryl Mitchell played an unbeaten innings of 131 runs, forming a crucial partnership with Will Young who contributed 87 runs. Their 162-run stand for the third wicket proved decisive in the match. Mitchell's century marked his eighth in ODI cricket.
This successful chase represents New Zealand's highest ever in India during ODI matches. The result brought an end to India's impressive eight-match winning streak against New Zealand in the 50-over format.
Gavaskar's Analysis of the Match
Speaking on JioStar, Gavaskar revealed his initial expectations for the game. "I was surprised by how easily New Zealand got across the line," he stated. "Before they started batting, everyone thought India would make use of the slowness of the pitch."
The former captain believed India's bowlers would restrict New Zealand to around 260 or 270 runs. "I thought that would have been an easy win for India," Gavaskar added. "But full credit to New Zealand, particularly the partnership between Will Young and Daryl Mitchell."
Gavaskar praised the 150-plus run partnership that effectively took the game away from India. He highlighted how the New Zealand batsmen demonstrated how to chase a near-300 total through careful settlement and confident stroke-making.
Special Praise for Daryl Mitchell
The cricket legend reserved particular appreciation for Daryl Mitchell's performance. "Daryl Mitchell deserves huge credit, not just for the batting," Gavaskar emphasized. "Even after getting to his hundred, the way he kept running hard, putting pressure on the fielders, and constantly taking two's shows both fitness and commitment to the team."
Pressure on India for Final ODI
Gavaskar believes the Rajkot defeat has increased pressure on the Indian team ahead of the series decider. "India will certainly feel the pressure going into the third ODI," he explained.
The cricket expert noted that a victory in the second match would have allowed India to experiment with their lineup. "Had they won this game, they would have had the freedom to experiment a little," Gavaskar said. "Perhaps giving opportunities to those who haven't played so far. Someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal could have gotten a bit of a run as well."
Now, according to Gavaskar, India cannot afford to take chances. "They have to play their best eleven again," he concluded, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming match in the series.
The third and final ODI will determine the winner of the series, with both teams now having secured one victory each. Cricket fans eagerly await this decisive encounter following New Zealand's impressive comeback in Rajkot.
