India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI: Match Result & Highlights

The second ODI between India and New Zealand turned out to be one of those games that really show how close things can get in cricket these days. It was played in Rajkot at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, and it featured a lot of runs, some great plays, and New Zealand pulling off a solid chase to win by seven wickets. That evened the series at 1-1, so now everything is up for grabs in the last one.

I think what stood out was how India started their batting with some purpose, but they were careful too because the pitch seemed pretty good, true bounce, and all that. Shubman Gill, he's the young captain, gave them a decent start up top. His shots through the offside looked really sharp, like he's getting more comfortable opening up.

Then Virat Kohli came in, and it looked like he was set to make something big, rotating strike and finding gaps easily. But kind of like in other recent games, he got out after getting started, and that left everyone a bit quiet in the stands. It feels like his wicket always changes things in these pressure situations.

As more wickets kept falling here and there, KL Rahul stepped up and just anchored everything. He was so calm, picking his shots wisely, attacking only the bad balls, and blocking the good ones. It seems he really knew how to handle the middle overs without letting the score drop.

Rahul built his innings slowly at first, then picked up pace later, and ended with this unbeaten hundred that felt both technically good and mentally tough. Other guys chipped in a little, but nothing huge, so India ended at 284 for 7 after 50 overs. That total was okay, competitive maybe, but not like unbeatable.

New Zealand had to chase 285, and they took it steady. India's bowlers got some early swing and took a couple of wickets quickly, so for a bit it looked like India might hold on. The crowd was getting into it then.

But New Zealand stayed composed, like they always do in these spots. Daryl Mitchell came in when it mattered and started building things back. He's not the flashy type, more about solid basics and placing the ball smartly, understanding the game well.

He teamed up with Will Young, who played confidently and was technically sound. They kept rotating, making India's fielders work, and hit the loose ones hard. That partnership brought the run rate down, put pressure back on India, sort of.

Later, Mitchell got more aggressive, timing through covers and straight down the ground. His temperament was the key, though, no rushing, just smart hits. Young got out after doing his job, but by then, New Zealand were in charge.

India tried mixing up their bowlers, spinners to slow it, but Mitchell wouldn't budge. No wickets in the middle really hurt; New Zealand controlled everything. Even with good fielding and some tight overs, they couldn't break things up, so the scoreboard never really squeezed New Zealand.

Mitchell finished with an unbeaten 131, looking relieved but happy, carrying his team through. They got to 286 for 3 in just 47.3 overs, a solid win. The celebrations showed they stuck to their plan.

No surprise, Mitchell got player of the match for that knock. It highlighted patience and adaptation, making him one of their reliable guys in ODIs.

Now the series is tied, so the third one should be exciting. India can feel good about Rahul's form and the top order stuff, but they have to fix the bowling, especially stopping those partnerships in chases. It gets a bit messy thinking about it.

New Zealand, though, they're confident now, good at handling big chases with players like Mitchell. Makes them tough.

This game was all about skills and staying cool. India had batting depth, but New Zealand showed how calm play can win out. It's what makes ODIs fun, balanced, and going right to the end. Fans are in for something big next.