From left, India’s captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)
New Zealand were dismissed for 134 in 41 overs, with Gurnoor Brar leading India’s bowling effort with figures of 4/30. India were 113/7 in 26 overs when rain interrupted play, but had moved four runs ahead of the DLS par score to secure a four-run victory. Shreyas Iyer scored 30, while KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 26. The result ensured India retained their 2-0 advantage in the series, with the final two matches scheduled to be played in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15.
India have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, with the third match in Hamilton abandoned due to rain. With Shubman Gill and KL Rahul set to miss the final two games to prepare for the upcoming Test series, the spotlight now shifts to the batting combination Shreyas Iyer will field in the remaining matches. Former India cricketers Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik have backed Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad to come into the playing XI, offering India a new-look top and middle order for the final leg of the series. The second ODI in Wellington proved to be a much tighter contest. With Gill unavailable for the remaining matches, Ishan Kishan is a strong candidate to open alongside Rohit Sharma. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter is also the designated vice-captain for the final two ODIs, making his inclusion a likely option.