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India Falls Short in Wellington ODI After 113‑Run T20I Highlight
In a rain‑curtailed ODI at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, India were bowled out for 113 runs, a score that mirrored the 113 runs scored by Abhishek Sharma in a recent T20I but in a very different context. The match saw India struggle against New Zealand bowlers, notably Kyle Jamieson, with the weather and a spiced drop‑in surface adding to the challenge.
India’s chase of a modest target of 135 began comfortably, but a series of bouncers and sustained pressure from both ends turned the game into a contest. Early wickets fell to Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma was dismissed in the ninth over. The team’s strategy to promote left‑hander Axar Patel to the number five position backfired; he was dismissed after a short delivery, a decision that raised questions about his suitability for that slot on a testing pitch.
Despite the loss, KL Rahul managed to survive the pressure, playing a disciplined innings while other batsmen struggled. New Zealand’s bowlers, including Gurnoor Brar, delivered a disciplined spell that left the Indian batting lineup exposed.
The match was part of a five‑match ODI series between India and New Zealand. Earlier in the series, on October 27, a six‑over spell saw 397 runs scored in 33.2 overs, a performance that left Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer astonished, as he remarked on the seaming ball’s impact during the post‑match interview.
Overall, the game highlighted the contrast between India’s explosive 113 in the T20I and the more modest, rain‑affected 113 in the ODI, underscoring the challenges posed by New Zealand’s bowling attack and the conditions in Wellington.