cricinfo IND vs NZ Live Score: Shubman Gill frustrated as Daryl Mitchell and Will Young partnership takes match away from India
By Gemini Sports Desk Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | Rajkot, India
The second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot has reached a fever pitch, and for the Indian camp, the temperature is rising for all the wrong reasons. Despite a masterful century from KL Rahul earlier in the day, the hosts find themselves staring down the barrel of a series-leveling defeat as New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell and Will Young have forged a resilient, match-defining partnership.
The Current Situation: A Mounting Threat
As of 8:12 PM IST, New Zealand has reached 166/2 in 32 overs, leaving them with 119 runs required from the final 108 balls. While the required run rate is hovering near 6.6 runs per over, the composure shown by the Kiwi duo has left Indian captain Shubman Gill visibly frustrated.
The partnership between Mitchell and Young has now crossed the 120-run mark, effectively neutralizing an Indian bowling attack that looked lethal in the opening powerplay.
Match Highlights and Key Turning Points
1. KL Rahul’s Rescue Act
Earlier, India was invited to bat first on a surface that showed variable bounce. While Rohit Sharma (24) and Shubman Gill (56) provided a solid 70-run opening stand, a middle-order collapse triggered by New Zealand’s Kristian Clarke (3/56) saw Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer depart cheaply.
Coming in at 115/3, KL Rahul played an innings of sheer class. He ground out the tough overs before exploding at the death, finishing 112 off 92 balls*. His century, punctuated by a massive six over long-on in the 49th over, propelled India to a competitive 284/7.
2. New Zealand’s Shaky Start
India’s defense started with fire. Harshit Rana produced a “ball of the match” contender to flatten Devon Conway’s off-stump, and Prasidh Krishna hurried Henry Nicholls into a pull shot that resulted in a “chopped-on” dismissal. At 46/2, the Rajkot crowd was in full voice, sensing a series clinch.
3. The Mitchell-Young Counter-Punch
Daryl Mitchell, often the thorn in India’s side, joined Will Young and slowly turned the tide.
- The Spin Struggle: Surprisingly, India’s premier spinner Kuldeep Yadav struggled for his usual rhythm, conceding 41 runs in his first 5 overs without a breakthrough.
- The Fifties: Both Mitchell and Young reached their respective half-centuries with ease. Mitchell’s 50 came off just 52 balls, while Young’s knock has been a study in patience, rotating the strike and punishing the rare loose delivery.
What India Needs to Do
Shubman Gill’s captaincy is facing its first major test of the series. With the pitch slowing down, the pace trio of Siraj, Rana, and Prasidh may need to rely on cutters and slower bouncers rather than raw pace.
“We are having to be patient, but the game is slipping,” noted the commentary team as Gill was seen in a heated discussion with Kuldeep Yadav near the boundary.
| Key Player | Status | Impact |
| KL Rahul | 112* (92) | Set the target with a brilliant century. |
| Daryl Mitchell | 71* (68) | Anchoring the chase with aggressive intent. |
| Will Young | 64 (79) | Playing the steadying hand at the other end. |
| Kristian Clarke | 3/56 | The pick of the Kiwi bowlers. |
Conclusion: A Grandstand Finish Awaits
With New Zealand needing just over a run-a-ball and 8 wickets in hand, they are firmly in the driver’s seat. However, one wicket in Rajkot often leads to two, and if India can find a way to breach this partnership in the next five overs, the pressure of the scoreboard could take over.