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Gavaskar Shocked by NZ's Easy Chase, Praises Mitchell's Match-Winning Ton

Sunil Gavaskar expressed surprise at how easily New Zealand chased down 285 runs against India in the second ODI in Rajkot. He credited the match-winning 162-run partnership between Will Young and centurion Daryl Mitchell for taking the game away from India. Gavaskar specifically praised Mitchell's fitness and commitment, noting his hard running even after reaching his hundred. The series is now level ahead of the decisive third ODI in Indore.

Key Points: Gavaskar Surprised by NZ's Easy Chase vs India in 2nd ODI

  • NZ chased 285 comfortably
  • Gavaskar expected India to win
  • Daryl Mitchell scored 131*
  • 162-run stand with Will Young
  • Series decider in Indore
2 min read

"I was surprised by how easily they got across the line": Sunil Gavaskar on New Zealand chasing down 285 runs against India in 2nd ODI

Sunil Gavaskar reacts to New Zealand's comfortable chase of 285 vs India, lauding Daryl Mitchell's unbeaten century and fitness in Rajkot ODI.

"I was surprised by how easily New Zealand got across the line - Sunil Gavaskar"

Rajkot, January 15

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar speaking on JioStar commented on how comfortably New Zealand chased down 285 runs against India in the second ODI in Rajkot on Wednesday.

Gavaskar felt surprised by how easily the visitors got across the line and thought that it would have been an easy win for India. Gavaskar also lauded Daryl Mitchell's unbeaten century, noting that his sustained running and pressure on the fielders demonstrated both his fitness and his commitment to the team.

"I was surprised by how easily New Zealand got across the line because, before they started batting, everyone thought India would be able to make use of the slowness of the pitch. With their bowlers, not just the spinners, but all of them, using the slowness of the surface well, it felt like India would be able to restrict New Zealand to around 260 or 270. I thought that would have been an easy win for India," Sunil Gavaskar said on JioStar.

"But full credit to New Zealand, particularly the partnership between Will Young and Daryl Mitchell. That 150-plus stand just took the game away. I think they showed how a near-300 run total can be chased down by taking your time to settle in and then backing your stroke-making ability and running between the wickets. Daryl Mitchell deserves huge credit, not just for the batting, but even after getting to his hundred, the way he kept running hard, putting pressure on the fielders, and constantly taking twos. That shows both fitness and commitment to the team," he added.

Mitchell continued his fine run against India, levelling with stalwarts Chris Cairns and Ross Taylor for the joint second-highest number of centuries against India in ODIs.

Mitchell rewrote record books during the second ODI against NZ at Rajkot on Wednesday, scoring 131* in 117 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes, and putting on a 162-run stand with Will Young for the third wicket, which proved to be a match-winning one. This is Mitchell's third century against India in ODI, levelling him with Cairns and Taylor.

In 12 matches against India, he has made 604 runs in 10 innings at an average of 67.11 and a strike rate of 95.11, with three centuries and two fifties.

India will now take the field against New Zealand on Sunday in the series decider at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, that was a masterclass in chasing. Mitchell's innings was brilliant. He never let the pressure build and his running was exceptional. Sometimes you just have to applaud the opposition.
A
Ananya R
Honestly, 285 was never enough on that Rajkot pitch. Our batting order collapsed after the top 3. We missed a finisher like Hardik or Jadeja in the last 10 overs. The team management needs to look at this.
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Vikram M
Daryl Mitchell has become a real thorn in our side! His stats against India are scary good. Full marks to him for his fitness and commitment. Our bowlers had no answer once he got set.
K
Karthik V
It's a wake-up call before the World Cup. We can't take any team lightly, especially a quality side like New Zealand. The decider in Indore will be a cracker! Hoping for a solid performance from our boys.
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Priya S
Sunny G's analysis is spot on. The partnership was the game changer. Our spinners, who are usually so effective at home, went for too many runs. Hopefully, they learn and adapt for the next match.

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