IND vs NZ: Mitchell, Young Seal Highest Chase on Indian Soil

Daryl Mitchell and Will Young powered New Zealand to their highest successful chase in India, snapping an eight-match losing streak against the hosts in emphatic fashion. Their commanding partnership ensured that KL Rahul’s masterful century earlier in the day did not prove decisive, even though the ball had gripped the surface during India’s innings.

India’s fast bowlers had set the tone in the afternoon, reducing New Zealand to 46 for 2 and appearing to have seized control. But the contest turned decisively once Mitchell went after Kuldeep Yadav on his introduction. From that moment, the visitors never looked back.

As evening set in, the pitch quickened despite the absence of dew, allowing stroke-making to become easier. Kuldeep endured a difficult outing, conceding 82, while Mitchell and Young stitched together a match-defining stand of 162. Mitchell went on to register his eighth ODI hundred, sealing a historic chase and handing Rajkot’s new stadium its first successful run-chase in five matches. The stage is now set for a decider in the traditionally high-scoring Indore.

Rahul’s century earlier in the day—his eighth in 85 innings—was a notable achievement in its own right. Yet Mitchell’s eighth ton, brought up in just his 53rd innings, places him in elite company, all the more remarkable given his career as a middle-order batter.

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