India secured a narrow four-run victory over New Zealand under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in a rain-affected second ODI in Wellington, with Gurjapneet Brar taking four wickets.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND — DESK: India defeated New Zealand by four runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected second One-Day International (ODI) on Saturday, November 7, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
The low-scoring encounter at Hnry Stadium in Wellington saw both teams struggle against the pace and bounce of the pitch before rain brought India’s chase to an early conclusion.
New Zealand were bowled out for 134 in 41 overs after India restricted the hosts with an impressive bowling performance.
India were 113 for seven after 26 overs when rain stopped play for the final time. They were four runs ahead of the DLS par score of 109, securing a narrow victory.
Gurnoor Brar Leads India’s Bowling Attack
India’s fast bowlers dominated the New Zealand innings, with Gurnoor Brar delivering the standout performance.
Brar claimed four wickets for 30 runs, recording the best bowling figures of his career.
Auqib Nabi, Anshul Kamboj and Axar Patel supported him with two wickets each.
New Zealand struggled to establish partnerships after losing early wickets. Daryl Mitchell provided the main resistance with 55 runs from 104 deliveries, while captain Mitchell Santner contributed 31.
Their partnership helped New Zealand recover from early setbacks, but the remaining batters failed to build on their efforts.
The hosts were eventually dismissed for 134 in 41 overs.
India’s Batting Line-up Faces Early Collapse
Chasing 135 for victory, India also encountered serious difficulties against New Zealand’s pace attack.
Jacob Duffy struck early by dismissing Shubman Gill for a duck and Virat Kohli for seven runs.
Rohit Sharma contributed 23 before falling, while Shreyas Iyer scored 30 to help stabilise the innings.
KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 26, providing crucial support during India’s difficult chase.
However, New Zealand’s bowlers continued taking wickets, leaving India at 113 for seven when rain interrupted play.
Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy claimed three wickets each for the hosts, keeping the contest competitive until the weather intervened.
India Move Closer to ODI Series Victory
The result gives India a commanding 2-0 advantage in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand.
India had also won the opening ODI by five wickets under the DLS method, putting the hosts under pressure in the series.
The third match is scheduled to take place in Hamilton on November 10, followed by the remaining two ODIs on November 13 and 15.
New Zealand will need to win the remaining matches to prevent India from securing the series.
