IND beat NZ by 4 runs in rain-hit ODI; Rohit, Kohli create history

Wellington: India clinched a thrilling four-run victory over New Zealand in the rain-hit second ODI at Hnry Stadium on Saturday, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Gurnoor Brar's four-wicket haul helped dismantle the hosts, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli scripted significant individual records despite modest scores.

Chasing 135, India were 113/7 in 26 overs when heavy rain forced the match to be abandoned. The visitors were declared winners under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. India had won the opening ODI by five wickets.

Rohit scored 23 off 28 balls, including two fours and two sixes, to become the leading six-hitter against New Zealand in men's ODIs. His tally rose to 51, surpassing former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi's 50. Rohit has also struck 85 sixes against New Zealand across international formats. He is now just three short of Chris Gayle's record of 87.

Kohli, meanwhile, overtook former Australia captain Ricky Ponting to become the highest run-scorer against New Zealand in men's ODIs. His seven-run contribution took his tally to 1,978, moving past Ponting's 1,971. Kohli achieved the milestone in fewer innings than the Australian great.

Earlier, New Zealand were bowled out for 134 in 41 overs. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 55 off 104 balls, while captain Mitchell Santner made 31 off 38. Brar claimed four wickets for 30 runs. Auqib Nabi, Anshul Kamboj and Axar Patel took two wickets each.

India also struggled against New Zealand's pace attack. Shreyas Iyer scored 30, KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 26, and Rohit contributed 23. Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy claimed three wickets each, while Matthew Fisher took one.

With the victory, India strengthened their grip on the series, leaving New Zealand needing to win the remaining three matches to turn the contest around.