India beat New Zealand by four runs via DLS in rain-hit second ODI

Seven years after the 2019 World Cup semifinal in Manchester, Indian bowlers have once again presented New Zealand with a daunting challenge. In the second ODI at the Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, New Zealand suffered a similarly dreary start to their innings. Just as they had in the previous encounter, the Indian attack dominated from the very first over, making it a difficult task for the home batters.

With an early toss win, India chose to bat first. Arshdeep Singh and Auqib Nabi were the stars of the first five overs, each taking full advantage of the conditions to keep the New Zealand batters under pressure. Arshdeep opened with a maiden over, frustrating Will Young, who could not score a run in the first six balls as the left-arm pacer moved the ball expertly.

Auqib Nabi took over from Arshdeep and struck early in his first over. Tim Seifert, encountering five no-score balls, attempted a drive on a full delivery but played it too early, resulting in a well-captured catch by Anshul Kamboj at mid-on.

After the first wicket fell for just two runs, New Zealand's struggles continued. Henry Nicholls joined Will Young at the crease, but the runs remained elusive. Auqib Nabi maintained the pressure on the left-hander with deliveries that moved in, frustrating the New Zealand batsman. Arshdeep also kept the pressure on the other end, as New Zealand managed only two runs in the third over and two more in the fourth.

By the end of the five-over powerplay, New Zealand had been reduced to 7/1.