In a thrilling display of batting prowess, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips smashed scintillating centuries to propel the Black Caps to a formidable total of 337/6 against India in the second ODI at Auckland’s Eden Park. The match, part of a crucial three-match series, saw the hosts bounce back fiercely after a heavy defeat in the opener.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand started steadily with openers Rachin Ravindra and Finn Allen laying a solid platform. However, it was the third-wicket partnership between Mitchell and Phillips that truly turned the game into a run-fest. Mitchell, anchoring the innings with his composed strokeplay, reached his hundred with a boundary off Mohammed Shami, celebrating in his signature style.
Phillips, playing with fearless aggression, bludgeoned the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground. His knock included 12 fours and 5 sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate in the middle overs. The duo added 182 runs for the third wicket, the highest partnership of the series so far, before Phillips departed for a magnificent 135 off 133 balls.
Mitchell followed soon after, scoring 118 from 110 deliveries, ensuring New Zealand crossed the 300-mark comfortably. Skipper Kane Williamson chipped in with a quick 28, while late cameos from Jimmy Neesham added the finishing touches. India’s bowlers, led by Shami (2/62), struggled on a batsman-friendly pitch, with spin options like Kuldeep Yadav proving expensive.
Chasing 338 now becomes a daunting task for India, who will rely on their explosive top order including Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to get them over the line. The series is level 1-1, and this high-scoring encounter promises edge-of-the-seat action under the Auckland lights. New Zealand’s bowlers, spearheaded by Trent Boult, will look to defend the total aggressively.