Mitchell upstages Rahul as New Zealand level series

Daryl Mitchell and Will Young helmed New Zealand's chase (Credit: AP photo)

Daryl Mitchell and Will Young powered New Zealand to their highest successful chase in India, ending an eight-match losing streak against the hosts. They might not have been chasing such a massive total if not for a masterful KL Rahul century, which came as the ball gripped the surface in the afternoon.

India’s fast bowlers were superb early on, reducing New Zealand to 46 for 2. However, from the moment Mitchell targeted Kuldeep Yadav upon his introduction, New Zealand never looked back.
The pitch quickened in the cooler evening, even though there was no dew. Kuldeep went for 82, while Mitchell and Young added 162 runs together. Mitchell went on to score his eighth century, Rajkot’s new stadium recorded its first successful chase in five ODIs, and the high-scoring Indore is now set for a decider.
Rahul’s century in the afternoon was his eighth in 85 innings—an impressive feat in itself. This puts Mitchell’s eighth century in his 53rd innings in elite company, particularly notable given his role as a career middle-order batter. (ESPNcricinfo)