Wed Jan 14 08:30:00 UTC 2026: ### India Struggles Against New Zealand in Second ODI
The Story:
India is currently facing New Zealand in the second ODI of a three-match series at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first. India’s innings started steadily but has seen a fall of wickets in the middle overs, leaving them at 165/4 after 35 overs. The scoring rate has been slow, with the batsmen struggling to find boundaries. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are currently at the crease, attempting to stabilize the innings.
Key Points:
- New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl.
- India’s score is 165/4 after 35 overs.
- Early wickets fell, including both openers and Virat Kohli.
- Shubman Gill scored a half-century (56 runs off 47 balls).
- KL Rahul (24 runs off 36 balls) and Ravindra Jadeja (23 runs off 23 balls) are currently batting.
Key Takeaways:
- New Zealand’s decision to bowl first is putting pressure on the Indian batting lineup.
- India needs to accelerate the scoring rate in the remaining overs.
- The loss of key wickets, particularly Virat Kohli, has hampered India’s progress.
- The pitch at Rajkot is considered good for batting, but Indian batsmen are facing difficulties.
- The partnership between KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja will be crucial for setting a competitive total.
First Piper 