Punjab Newsline, Sports :
New Zealand set a target of 301 runs for India, Daryl Mitchell scores 84
The first match of the ODI series between New Zealand and India is being played on Sunday at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. In this encounter, New Zealand have set a challenging target of 301 runs for India. After winning the toss, India opted to bowl first, a decision that did not bring much immediate success against the New Zealand batters.
Batting first, New Zealand posted 300 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The visitors put up a strong batting performance, with three of their batters scoring half-centuries and keeping the Indian bowlers under pressure for most of the innings. Daryl Mitchell was the standout performer, playing a composed yet aggressive knock of 84 runs off 71 balls. His innings featured a good mix of solid defense and timely attacking strokes.
Apart from Mitchell, Henry Nicholls contributed a crucial 62 runs, anchoring the innings at the top order, while Devon Conway added 56 runs to strengthen New Zealand’s total. The partnerships among the top and middle order helped the team maintain a healthy run rate throughout the innings.
From India’s bowling attack, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana picked up two wickets each. All three bowlers struck at important moments, especially in the middle overs, to slow down New Zealand’s scoring to some extent. Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with one wicket, but overall, the Indian bowlers found it difficult to completely contain the New Zealand batting lineup.
Chasing a target of 301 runs, India have made a cautious but steady start. After five overs, the hosts have scored 15 runs without losing any wickets. Senior opener Rohit Sharma opened his account with a boundary, setting the tone for the chase. He is currently batting alongside captain Shubman Gill, who is looking to settle in and build a solid partnership at the top.
With plenty of overs remaining and a strong batting lineup to follow, India will aim to build a strong foundation and keep the required run rate under control. All eyes are now on the Indian batters as they look to chase down the target and gain an early advantage in the ODI series.