Matches between India and New Zealand in the ODI format often deliver unexpected turns, combining raw talent with clever tactics. The India vs New Zealand ODI 2026 clashes stood out for their intensity, part of New Zealand’s tour to India in 2025-26. This three-game India vs. New Zealand ODI series drew crowds eager for high-stakes action, and the second encounter proved pivotal. Held on January 14, 2026, in Rajkot, it leveled things after India’s win in the opener, setting up a decider. We’ll break down this game, from key plays to standout efforts, while touching on the broader India vs New Zealand ODI scorecard implications.

Fans had waited eagerly for this India vs New Zealand ODI series, recalling past thrillers like World Cup knockouts. New Zealand, the underdogs, aimed to upset India at home, where the hosts usually dominate. The first match in Vadodara saw India chase down 301 for a four-wicket victory, thanks to Virat Kohli’s 93. That put pressure on the Kiwis for Rajkot. The Niranjan Shah Stadium, known for flat tracks favoring batsmen, promised runs, but evening dew could sway the chase.

Teams arrived with tweaks in mind. India stuck with their core: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opening, Kohli at three, followed by Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Bowling relied on Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jadeja. New Zealand fielded Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay, captain Michael Bracewell, Zak Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, and debutant Jayden Lennox.

Toss and India’s Innings

New Zealand won the toss and chose to field, hoping to exploit early swing and chase under lights. India batted first on a pitch offering initial help to pacers,s but expected to ease.

Openers Rohit and Gill started watchfully. Rohit struck four boundaries in his 24 off 38 before Clarke had him caught by Young at slip. At 70/1 after 12.2 overs, Gill accelerated, smashing nine fours and a six in his 56 off 53. But Jamieson dismissed him, caught by Mitchell at mid-off, leaving 99/2 in 16.5.

Kohli, fresh from his Vadodara knock, made 23 off 29 with two fours before Clarke bowled him through the gate at 118/4 in 23.3. Iyer’s 8 off 17 ended caught by Bracewell off Clarke, worsening the slump to 115/3 in 21.3.

Rahul then anchored, unbeaten on 112 off 92 with 11 fours and a six. His partnerships: 73 with Jadeja (27 off 44, caught and bowled by Bracewell at 191/5 in 38.1), 57 with Reddy (20 off 21, caught by Phillips off Foulkes at 248/6 in 46.2). Rana’s quick 2 off 4 fell to Lennox, caught by Bracewell at 256/7 in 47.2. Siraj’s 2* off 3 helped reach 284/7.

Extras added 10 (lb 2, nb 1, w 7). Clarke starred with 3/56 in 8, Jamieson 1/70 in 10, Foulkes 1/67 in 9, Lennox 1/42 in 10, Bracewell 1/34 in 10, Phillips 0/13 in 3.

Rahul’s century, his 8th in ODIs, rescued India from 118/4, mixing defense with attacks on loose balls.

New Zealand’s Chase: Mitchell’s Masterclass

Chasing 285, New Zealand needed steady starts. Conway and Nicholls opened against Siraj and Rana. Conway hit three fours in 16 off 21 before Rana bowled him at 22/1 in 5.2. Nicholls’ 10 off 24 ended bowled by Krishna at 46/2 in 12.4.

Young and Mitchell then dominated, adding 162 for the third wicket. Young scored 87 off 98 with seven fours, caught by Reddy off Kuldeep at 208/3 in 37.6. Mitchell, unbeaten on 131 off 117 (11 fours, two sixes), powered through, reaching his century aggressively.

Phillips’ 32* off 25 (two fours, one six) sealed it, New Zealand at 286/3 in 47.3 overs.

Extras: 10 (lb 5, w 5). India’s bowlers: Rana 1/52 in 9.3, Krishna 1/49 in 9, Kuldeep 1/82 in 10, Siraj 0/41 in 9, Jadeja 0/44 in 8, Reddy 0/13 in 2.

Mitchell’s knock, blending patience and power, earned him Player of the Match. His 111.96 SR kept pressure off, exploiting gaps.

Second ODI Scoreboard

India Batting

New Zealand Bowling

New Zealand Batting

India Bowling

Standout Efforts and Game Shifts

Mitchell’s 131* anchored the chase, his partnerships crucial: 24 with Nicholls, 162 with Young, 78* with Phillips. His two sixes came at key moments, easing tension.

Rahul’s 112 rescued India, his late acceleration vital. Gill’s 56set  the tone, but middle-order collapses hurt.

Clarke’s 3/56 disrupted India early, and Lennox’s debut 1/42 was economical. Kuldeep’s 1/82 struggled, spinners leaking runs.

Turning points: Clarke’s double strike to 118/4, Mitchell-Young’s stand shifting momentum. India’s fielding was sharp, but it couldn’t break the partnership soon enough.

Rivalry Backstory

India leads ODIs 60-50 in 118 games, but New Zealand’s wins include the 2019 semi-final. In India, hosts are strong, but this series showed the Kiwis adapting.

Past gems: Tendulkar’s 2010 double, Williamson’s tons. Mitchell’s knock echoed Bracewell’s 140 in 2023.

Series Ramifications

This tied the India vs New Zealand ODI series 1-1, leading to the Indore decider (NZ won 2-1). Exposed India’s vulnerabilities, boosted New Zealand’s confidence for T20s.

FAQs

Final Words!

The second India vs New Zealand ODI in 2026 showcased resilience and skill, New Zealand’s chase overshadowing Rahul’s fightback. This Rajkot thriller added to the rivalry’s lore, hinting at more drama. As teams evolve, such games keep the format alive.