Daryl Mitchell hits 84 as Kiwis post competitive total.
New Zealand has set a challenging target for the hosts in the series opener at Kotambi Stadium. After being asked to bat first by Indian skipper Shubman Gill, the visitors posted a formidable total of 300/8 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by solid half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, and Devon Conway.
Top Order Sets the Foundation
New Zealand began their innings with composure. Openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls frustrated the Indian pacers early on, stitching together a crucial 117-run partnership for the first wicket. Conway looked fluent for his 56, while Nicholls contributed a steady 62. Their stand ensured that New Zealand navigated the first powerplay without losing a wicket, laying a perfect platform for the middle order.
Mitchell Anchors Amidst Mini-Collapse
India fought back in the middle overs. Young pacer Harshit Rana provided the breakthrough by dismissing Conway, sparking a brief collapse. Will Young and Glenn Phillips fell cheaply, leaving the visitors in a spot of bother. However, Daryl Mitchell stood firm. He played an aggressive yet calculated knock of 84 off 71 balls, hitting three sixes and five boundaries. His innings was vital in keeping the run rate healthy even as wickets tumbled at the other end.
Late Flourish Boosts Total
Just when it looked like India might restrict the Kiwis to under 280, the lower order chipped in with valuable runs. Debutant Kristian Clarke played a fearless cameo, smashing 24 off just 17 balls. His hitting in the final overs helped push the score to the psychological 300-run mark.
Indian Bowling Effort
For India, the bowling figures were a mixed bag. Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each. Prasidh Krishna also chipped in with two scalps but was expensive, conceding 60 runs. Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja kept things relatively tight in the middle phase but couldn't prevent the late surge.
India now faces a stiff chase of 301 under lights to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
