'Extraordinary' Daryl Mitchell hits unbeaten century as New Zealand beat India to set up ODI series decider - 'We had a bit of fun'

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Daryl Mitchell was in complete control in Rajkot on Wednesday, his unbeaten 131 off 117 steering New Zealand to a first ODI win on Indian soil in over eight years - a seven-wicket triumph that keeps the three-match series alive. Mitchell's knock came at a time when India were in a position of authority. The series decider will be played in Indore on Sunday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Mitchell hits ‘extraordinary’ boundary as New Zealand level up ODI series with India

Video credit: TNT Sports

Daryl Mitchell was the coolest man in Rajkot on Wednesday, as his unbeaten 131 off 117 guided New Zealand to a first victory on Indian soil in over eight years, a seven-wicket win that keeps the three-match series alive.

Mitchell came to the crease with New Zealand in trouble at 46-2, chasing 285 set by India, and quickly steadied the innings. His 162-run partnership with Will Young (87) culminated in an audacious scooped four while falling backwards, sealing the win and levelling the series at 1-1.

The victory marked New Zealand's highest successful chase in India and ended an eight-match losing streak against their hosts.

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"It's really nice to get the win," Mitchell said at the post-match presentation, following a first ODI win over India since 2023. "We haven't won here for a couple of years now.

"It's nice for a younger group to see that you can challenge some of the best in the world. I'm just enjoying doing my job for my country… Youngy, he's a class player, and I love batting with him… We had a bit of fun, but we also enjoyed getting the contest as well."

India had been restricted to 284-7 after being sent in to bat, with New Zealand reaching the target with 15 balls to spare. Mitchell, dropped on 80 by Prasidh Krishna, went on to notch his eighth ODI century, finishing unbeaten alongside Glenn Phillips (32).

Mitchell hits century as New Zealand close in on ODI victory over India

Video credit: TNT Sports

TNT Sports commentator Ravi Shastri praised the innings: "What an extraordinary way to finish a game… New Zealand have won a game in India for the first time in a long time."

Co-commentator Ian Smith added: "They've won a one-day game, and they needed to break that record… It's important for away sides to win, every now and then."

The last time New Zealand won an ODI in India was a six-wicket triumph at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium in October 2017.

Reflecting on his battle with Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell said: "I think he's one of the best bowlers in the world… It's about trying to find ways to put pressure on him… Once you get in, you want to make the most of it and help us win games of cricket. So, it's always nice."

'It's been a terrific innings!' - Rahul brings up century against New Zealand in style

Video credit: TNT Sports

Earlier, Kristian Clarke took three crucial wickets to disrupt India’s top order, sending Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Virat Kohli back to the dressing room.

KL Rahul was the standout for India, scoring an unbeaten 112 from 92 balls and putting on partnerships of 73 with Ravindra Jadeja (27) and 57 with Nitish Kumar Reddy (20), his eighth ODI century - but it was not enough.

India captain Shubman Gill reflected: "We did get a decent start with the ball, but they batted very well in the middle overs… We could have been more brave and taken more chances."

The series decider will be played in Indore on Sunday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, before both sides wrap up preparations for next month’s T20 World Cup with a five-match T20I series.

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