Rajkot, India - KL Rahul's magnificent century in the second ODI against New Zealand has drawn high praise, with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate describing it as a "quality hundred". Rahul's unbeaten 112 off 92 balls, which included 11 fours and one six, helped India reach a total of 284/7 in their 50 overs. However, Daryl Mitchell's unbeaten 131 guided New Zealand to a seven-wicket victory, leveling the series 1-1.
India won the toss and chose to bat first in Rajkot. Openers Rohit Sharma (24) and Shubman Gill (56) provided a steady start, putting on 70 runs for the first wicket. However, New Zealand's spinners soon seized control, with Kristian Clarke taking three wickets. India's innings faltered, slipping to 118/4 after Virat Kohli was dismissed for 23.
KL Rahul then took charge, building crucial partnerships to stabilize India's innings. He added 73 runs with Ravindra Jadeja for the fifth wicket and a further 57 runs with Nitish Kumar Reddy. Rahul's ability to balance caution with aggression ensured India reached a competitive total.
Rahul's century was a historic one, making him the first Indian wicketkeeper to score an ODI hundred against New Zealand. He also became the first Indian to score an ODI century at Rajkot. Moreover, his unbeaten 112 is now the highest individual score by an Indian at this venue in ODI cricket. Rahul reached his century in just 87 balls, sending a Kyle Jamieson full toss into the stands in the 49th over. He dedicated his celebration to his daughter.
Despite Rahul's efforts, New Zealand chased down the target of 285 with ease, finishing at 286/3 in 47.3 overs. Daryl Mitchell's masterful unbeaten 131 off 117 balls, supported by Will Young's 87, guided the Kiwis to victory. Mitchell and Young put together a 162-run stand for the third wicket. This chase marked New Zealand's highest successful target chased in ODIs in India.
Mitchell joined Chris Cairns and Ross Taylor with the joint second-most ODI tons against India. Only Nathan Astle has more, with five ODI centuries against India.
The series now stands level at 1-1, with the deciding third ODI to be played in Indore on January 18, 2026.
