India edged out New Zealand by just 12 runs to go 1-0 up in the three-game ODI series, fueled by Shubman Gill's legendary double century. While chasing a target of 350, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner kept New Zealand's hopes alive with a 162-run partnership. Bracewell's explosive 140 off 78 balls brought the game down to the final over, but Sharul Thakur sealed the result for India with a perfect yorker to get him out.
India claimed a thrilling 12-run victory over New Zealand after Shubman Gill scored a sensational double-century and with that India goes 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series. Chasing 350, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner stitched a 162-run partnership to keep their side alive in the contest. Bracewell played masterclass innings of 140 runs off just 78 balls and took the game until the final over. But Sharul Thakur bowled a brilliant yorker to dismiss Bracewell and sealed the win for India.
India started their innings strongly, with captain Rohit Sharma and Gill building a 60-run opening partnership over 12 overs. The breakthrough came via Blair Tickner, who dismissed Rohit for 34, and shortly after, Santner removed Virat Kohli for a mere 8. Ishan Kishan failed to make an impact with only 5 runs, while Suryakumar Yadav added 31 to the score.
Shubman Gill dominated the bowling attack with a masterclass in batting. He reached the 200-run mark in style, hitting three sixes in a row, and set a new record as the youngest ODI cricketer to achieve a double century. His final score of 208, including 19 fours and 9 sixes, was the cornerstone of India's massive total of 349/8.
In response, Finn Allen gave the Black Caps a solid start with 40 runs, but the middle order struggled as Indian bowlers consistently took wickets, leaving them at 131/6. The game swung back in New Zealand's favor thanks to a gritty partnership between Bracewell and Santner, the latter scoring 57. Even after losing his partner, Bracewell fought valiantly on his own, though he ultimately fell short of leading his team to victory. Despite the loss, his phenomenal batting performance won over the crowd.