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Heading into the first ODI between India and New Zealand, expectations were high. Both sides had come off series wins last week, each impressive for different reasons.
India, on the one hand, had put Sri Lanka to the sword, white washing their neighbours 3-0 and subjecting them to the largest ever ODI defeat in history. New Zealand, on the other hand, fought Pakistan for the better part of a month without either side giving an inch, only gaining the upper hand in the final game of the ODI series which they won 2-1.
Understandably, fans were excited for New Zealand to continue their Asian tour and head to India for a fast-paced six games white ball series. Those who had raised their expectations were not disappointed, as the India vs New Zealand first ODI certainly entertained.
Here’s a look at how the match unfolded, and what to expect in the second ODI between India and New Zealand.
Gill Drives India to Big Total
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After winning the toss and opting to bat first, India yet again put on a healthy opening partnership.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill combined for 60/0 off the first 12 overs, before Sharma was caught by Blair Tickner. Gill would stick around for much longer, however, and proved to be a game-changing anchor for India. As the wickets fell around him—Virat Kohli for 8, Ishan Kishan for 5—Gill continued to build his total. He found some partnership from Suryamkumar Yadav (31) and Hardik Pandya (28), but ultimately muscles his side towards a healthy total largely on his own.
By the fifth to last ball of the innings, when Shuman Gill eventually holed out for 208 off 149 balls, he had out-scored the next best India batsman by 174 runs. Outside of Gill, New Zealand did a good job of restricting India, with the team finishing on 349/8 when the score could easily have ballooned over 400+ against another side.
Bracewell Gives Black Caps Hope
In reply, New Zealand hobbled along initially, losing Devon Conway in the sixth over. Finn Allen found some momentum and took the Black Caps to 70/1 after 12.4 overs, before getting out for 40 off 39.
With both openers back in the shed, New Zealand quite quickly had their middle order gutted as well. After losing Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips for scores below 25, the Kiwis were at 131/6 after 28.4 overs and staring down the barrel of a big defeat.
That is, until Michael Bracewell stepped onto the scene, accompanied by Mitchell Santner. The two combined for 162 runs to take New Zealand to 293/6 off 45.3 overs, giving the Black Caps a sniff of victory. When Santner departed, however, Bracewell ran out of time and partners, eventually getting out for 140 with four balls remaining in the innings.
The Kiwis would fall agonisingly short, getting bowled for 337, 12 runs away from what would have been a remarkable victory.
More of the Same Expected on the Weekend
The two sides will meet again this weekend, with the second India vs New Zealand ODI scheduled for 8:00 AM GMT on Saturday.
All signs point towards more of the same from both sides, as New Zealand will be encouraged by their near miss yesterday, while India will be looking to close out the series 2-0 with a win on the weekend. Watch this space for our betting preview, where we’ll offer up the best wagers we suggest making on the upcoming match.
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