In a high-scoring thriller that kicked off the three-match series, India secured a 12-run victory over New Zealand with a record-breaking performance by Shubman Gill. The young cricketer became the youngest player to score a men’s ODI double hundred, as he hit a 149-ball 208 to set up India’s defendable target of 349/8. Despite an impressive masterclass by Michael Bracewell, who scored a career-best 140, and a record 162 partnership with Mitchel Santner, New Zealand fell short in their chase.
India started strong with Gill and Rohit Sharma capitalizing on Henry Shipley’s struggles to get his lengths right. However, after a 38-ball 34, Rohit was caught out. Kohli was also out quickly, and India slipped to 110/3. Suryakumar Yadav continued his disappointing ODI form, while Hardik Pandya was given out in controversial circumstances. Gill, however, kept going and brought up his double ton with three consecutive sixes.
In the second half of the match, the conditions turned and India’s bowlers, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav helped the team take six wickets, which proved to be the difference. Siraj removed opener Conway, while Thakur dismissed Finn Allen.
A collapse after the powerplay meant that the Kiwis were reduced to 131/6. But Bracewell and Santner formed an incredible partnership as the pair took apart Hardik Pandya. Despite the efforts of Bracewell and Santner, New Zealand fell short as they ran out of partners and couldn’t keep up with the asking rate.
Brief scores: India 349/8 in 50 overs (Shubman Gill 208; Daryl Mitchell 2-30, Henry Shipley 2-74) beat New Zealand 337 all out in 49.2 overs (Michael Bracewell 140, Mitchell Santner 57; Mohammed Siraj 4-46) by 12 runs.
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