India took an unbelievable 2-0 lead in the ODI series against New Zealand after rain brought the 2nd ODI to an early end.
The weather interruption came at a crucial stage. New Zealand had started to build pressure in India’s chase and needed 22 more runs to win.
However, further play was not possible. India therefore secured the result and moved one step closer to completing a series sweep.
Rain delayed the start by an hour, reducing the match to 47 overs per side.
Shubman Gill had little hesitation in choosing to bowl first. India’s seamers immediately made good use of the conditions and kept New Zealand’s batters under pressure.
Daryl Mitchell was dropped by Gill on 21, giving the New Zealand batter an opportunity to rebuild the innings. He took advantage of the reprieve and reached his half-century.
Mitchell also added a partnership with Mitchell Santner. However, he never looked completely settled, and his dismissal triggered another collapse.
India had plenty of support from their bowling attack.
Auqib Nabi, who had gone wicketless in the previous game in Auckland, made an early impact with two wickets. He provided the initial breakthrough before the rest of the attack continued to chip away.
Gurnoor Brar was the standout bowler.
The seamer finished with career-best ODI figures of 4/30 from his 10 overs. He also bowled two maiden overs in 2nd ODI as India kept New Zealand from building a substantial total.
New Zealand then made an encouraging start with the ball.
India’s top three had played an important role in their recent performances, so removing them early gave the hosts a significant opportunity.
Kyle Jamieson created problems during his opening spell but finished with only one wicket. Jacob Duffy claimed the other two early breakthroughs.
India responded through Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
Iyer tried to play the ball late and used the back foot effectively, while Rahul provided composure in the middle order.
The pair helped India recover, but the chase remained far from comfortable.
Iyer eventually departed, and India lost further wickets soon afterwards. Some attacking shots also gave New Zealand openings when India could least afford them in the 2nd ODI.
The match was beginning to swing back towards the hosts.
India were left needing another 22 runs when rain stopped play.
New Zealand had the momentum at that point. Their bowlers were creating pressure, and the difficult batting conditions meant the remaining target was far from straightforward.
The hosts would have fancied their chances if play had resumed.
Instead, the weather had the final say.
The match could not restart, allowing India to secure the victory and take a 2-0 lead in the series.
India will now head into the third ODI in Hamilton with the series already won. New Zealand, meanwhile, will need to respond quickly if they are to avoid a clean sweep.
