India edge Black Caps by 4 runs via DLS

Wellington:India survived a dramatic batting collapse to beat New Zealand by four runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the rain-hit second ODI here on Saturday. Persistent showers ended the contest with India at 113/7 in 26 overs while chasing 135.

The match, reduced to 47 overs per side following a rain delay, saw New Zealand’s pace attack put India under severe pressure after the hosts were bowled out for 134 in 41 overs. However, India were three runs ahead of the DLS par score when rain forced the players off.

India’s chase suffered an early setback as captain Shubman Gill fell for a golden duck in the opening over. Jacob Duffy induced an edge that Henry Nicholls held at second slip. Virat Kohli managed just seven before Duffy struck again, with Will Young completing the catch at cover-point.

Rohit Sharma scored 23 off 28 balls before Kyle Jamieson dismissed him, while Axar Patel fell for seven to leave India struggling at 47/4 in the 13th over. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul added 39 runs for the fifth wicket. Iyer scored 30 off 46 balls before Jamieson broke the partnership. Naman Dhir contributed 12, but Duffy dismissed him before Jamieson removed Anshul Kamboj, leaving India at 113/7.

Rahul remained unbeaten on 26, while Auqib Nabi was on one when rain returned. With India marginally ahead on the DLS par score, the match was called off at 23:00 local time, handing the visitors victory.

Earlier, Gurnoor Brar starred with a career-best four-wicket haul as India bowled out New Zealand for 134. Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj struck early before Brar removed Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips to reduce the hosts to 53/5.

Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 55 off 104 balls, while Mitchell Santner made 31. Their 59-run sixth-wicket partnership offered resistance before Brar struck again. Axar Patel claimed two wickets, while Kamboj dismissed Blair Tickner to wrap up the innings.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand 134/10 in 41 overs (Daryl Mitchell 55, Mitchell Santner 31; Gurnoor Brar 4-30, Anshul Kamboj 2-25) lost to India 113-7 in 26 overs (Shreyas Iyer 30, KL Rahul 26; Jacob Duffy 3-35, Kyle Jamieson 3-35) by 4 runs via DLS method.

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The Hans India