New Zealand vs India , Full Score Card

That's Jamieson done for the night. He bends his back and bowls it on a back of a length. Rahul arches back and glides it down to deep third. He keeps the strike with a single. End of a superb outing with the ball for the towering quick - 10-1-35-3. Will it be in a winning cause? We shall see.

Oh, dear! To add to the drama, Ian Smith informs on air that there's a bit of rain coming down. But India are just ahead of the DLS par score of 109, so they are only just in front.

This is pitched up, on middle. KL brings his bat out in front to defend it out watchfully.

Into the wicket, on middle and leg. Nabi pivots and rolls his wrists over the ball to play the pull behind square leg for a single.

It's all happening here in Wellington. New Zealand are well and truly back in the game. And if they manage to get KL Rahul's wicket, anything can happen. Auqib Nabi is in at number 9.

OUT! CAUGHT! Anshul Kamboj, what have you done? That will be the cry from the Indian fans. He just needed to hang in there with KL Rahul, but he goes for the big hit and has thrown it away. Jamieson hits the top of off. Kamboj clears the front leg, puts his head down and has a swipe across the line. Gets a top edge, and it is skied down to deep third, where Jacob Duffy gets on his knees and gets his hands out in front to take the catch. India are now 7 down for 111, needing 24 more runs.

Dishes it out on a hard length with short leg in place but the line is a bit wide. Kamboj still has a fee for the delivery and is beaten on the outside edge.

Cuts back in off the surface towards the hip. Rahul is taken aback by the steep bounce but manages to fend it down towards square leg for a run. India require 24 more runs.

Kyle Jamieson to bowl out. 9-1-32-2 so far. A wide first slip in place.

This is on a length, on off. Rahul leans across to block but gets it off the inner half behind square leg for a single.

Excellent effort in the field. Duffy strays down leg, on a back of a length. Kamboj tries to help it away with the angle. Gets a bit of a tickle on it before the ball brushes his shirt and goes down to deep fine leg. Kyle Jamieson covers a lot of ground to his right and dives to prevent the boundary. Just a single.

Is there some late twist left in the game? KL Rahul is stranded at one end and India need 32 runs to win. Anshul Kamboj is in at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! Jacob Duffy has his man. Switches to around the wicket with the field set for the short ball, and this is pushed across the right-hander. Dhir takes the risk of going against the angle and playing the hook. Gets it more from the lower half of the bat and it goes straight down the throat of Tim Seifert at deep backward square leg, who takes a reverse cup catch around his neck. The third umpire has been called into action to check the legality of the catch. The boundary cushions are pushed back slightly where Tim Seifert is standing. After a thorough check, the third umpire concludes that there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that Seifert's feet are in contact with the boundary cushions.

Caught in the deep by Seifer. But the on-field umpires have sent it for review for a fair catch. The question is whether his feet are touching the ropes while holding the ball. After a couple of angles, it is deemed a fair catch. Looked touch and go, to be very honest, but the benefit of the doubt goes in favor of the fielder here.

Good response! A proper short ball, getting it high around the neck. The ball keeps following Dhir, who arches back and drops his hands to let the ball go.

Santner walks towards the bowler and has a chat with Duffy. Some fielding tweaks are being made. Good to go.

FOUR! That is an incredible shot. Jacob bangs it in short, on off. Dhir takes half a step across the stumps and climbs all over it. He flat bats it with power past the outstretched right hand of Duffy, and the mid on fielder stands no chance. India need 27 more runs.

At 135 kph, bowled on a good length, on off. Dhir stabs it down to backward point.

Out comes the short ball, on off. Dhir pulls but mistimes it through square leg for a single.

Nice and tight, not offering any width and hitting the bat hard, on a back of a length. Dhir presses up on his toes and angles it to backward point.

Tighter line, on top of off. Dhir walks across and defends it watchfully.

A flash and a miss! Jamieson slams the deck hard and gets the ball to take off. Dhir tries to cash in on the width and flay it away but the ball climbs over the bat.

Simon Doull informs us on air that Henry Nicholls has left the field for some reason. Nick Kelly is in as his substitute.

Angled in at the stumps, Dhir wrists it from the crease to mid-wicket.

Nibbling away a touch, on a good length, on off. Naman drops it beside the strip on the off side and sets off for a run before being sent back by KL.

Pushed outside off, on a length. This is not close enough to make the batter play and Rahul makes an easy leave.

SIX! KL Rahul would have had his heart in his mouth for a moment there. Cross-seam ball, dug in short, on off. Rahul takes on the short ball, and he does not quite get on top of the bounce. It comes off a top edge, but it is hit to the shorter side, and it goes right in the gap between the two fielders at deep fine leg and deep square leg. India go past 100, and they need 32 more runs to win.

Around the off stump, on a good length. KL gets right behind the line to defend.

Attacking the front pad with a length ball. Dhir walks across the stumps and plays around his front pad, clipping it between mid-wicket and mid on for a single.

Well bowled! Duffy goes short but it is the off-cutter, on off. Rahul pivots for the pull but does not pick up the change of pace and is early into the shot. Mistimes it to deep square leg for just a single.

No Ball! Fuller in length, closer to the off stump. Rahul gives it a close look and makes the leave. Oh, Duffy has overstepped. Free Hit coming up.

Bowled by going wide on the crease, on a length, outside off. KL offers no shot.

FOUR! Up and over! Jamieson goes into the surface but offers width. Dhir hops and frees his arms to slam it over cover-point. There is no protection in the deep and Naman picks up his first boundary. India need 41 more runs to win.

This is on a hard length, outside off. Naman stands tall on top of the bounce and drops it down on the off side.

At 133 kph, sliding onto the pads. KL hangs back to deal with it. He gets an inside edge onto the pads and a single is taken as the ball dribbles wide of square leg.

Pulls the length back, outside off. Rahul shuffles a bit to cover the off stump and holds his bat high to make the leave.

Stays full and keeps the stumps in play. Rahul plants his front foot across and taps it to the right of the bowler.

Shaping back in at the stumps, on a length. Dhir takes a step across the stumps and pushes at the ball with hard hands, looking to force it down the ground. It goes off an inside edge down to deep fine leg for a run. Hands on head for Jamieson as Dhir was right in front of the stumps there.

Banged in short, getting it high around the left ear. KL leans inside the line and shapes up for the pull but then bails out of the shot and drops his hands.

Hooping back in, full and straight at the sticks. KL presents a straight bat and blocks it off.

Oh, that could have so easily gone back onto the stumps. The length is pushed up by Duffy, outside off. KL goes for the big booming drive away from his body. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

This is banged in short, over off. Dhir shuffles to get behind the line and swivels. He plays a controlled pull shot to the right of deep fine leg for a single.

Lands it on a good length, outside off. Dhir leaves it all alone.

Run out chance! Duffy hits the back of a length, on off. Rahul hops back and angles it wide of backward point. He makes a late decision to go for the run and that catches Dhir off guard. Naman still commits to the run and dives to make his ground. Luckily for him, Glenn Phillips missed his shy at the batting end or else Dhir was gone.

Naman Dhir walks in next. Jacob Duffy has been brought back.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jamieson keeps targeting Iyer's weakness and is eventually rewarded. A steep bouncer cramps Iyer completely, climbing into his left shoulder and leaving him in an awkward position. Unable to drop his wrists in time, the bat remains high around his chest, leaving him with nowhere to go. The resulting top edge loops over his head and lobs into the keeper's gloves, with Tom Latham shifting slightly to his left to take the catch. India are 86/5, needing 49 more to win. It's getting really interesting now.

Phillips once again in action! He is such a live wire in the field. Slightly full on off, Iyer waits back and taps it to the right of point. Phillips dashes to his right and cuts it off, forcing Iyer to return back to the batting end.

No run there! It's Phillips with a stunning save. Length ball, outside off, stabbed off the back foot to the left of backward point. Glenn Phillips dives in that direction and makes a sharp shot. He sees KL Rahul taking off for a run and throws it to the bowling end, but misses his shy, allowing Rahul to retreat.

FOUR! Shot of the chase so far! Shreyas moves to 30 and India need 49 runs! Kyle errs in length as this is a genuine half-volley, on middle, inviting trouble. Iyer holds his shape and hits it through the line, lifting it over mid off for a four.

Oh, this one tails in a touch. On a length, around off, Iyer chops it on the bounce to first slip. Daryl Mitchell leaps a bit and plucks it over his head.

Beaten! Scrambled seam, outside off on a length, and it stays a tad low. Iyer goes for a square cut but gets beaten on the inside edge.

Mitchell Santner brings back Kyle Jamieson. 6-1-21-1 so far for Jamieson.

FOUR! He has made that shot look so easy! Short at the ribs, nipping and skidding in, KL Rahul swivels on the back foot and controls the pull shot through backward square leg. Before Duffy could even start running to his left, the ball speeds away to the fence. 11 runs off the over, and India need 53 runs to win now.

Once again, Fisher attacks the pads with a fuller delivery, Iyer helps it fine behind the wicket on the leg side. Duffy is in action again as he moves to his right from deep fine leg and cuts it off. One run taken.

Wide! Far down leg, full in length, Iyer misses the tickle. A fabulous save by Latham as he dives full stretch to his left to pluck it.

FOUR! A decent effort by Duffy but goes in vain! At the hips on a good length, Shreyas Iyer uses the pace by hanging back and getting across. Uses his wrists to whip it behind square on the leg side. Jacob Duffy runs to his left and is a bit late to dive as the ball seeps through to the fence.

Matthew Fisher feels the landing area is a bit greasy. Mitchell Santner helps him scatter some sawdust over that area.

Not all that full on middle, nipping away off the seam. Shreyas closely watches it, meets the ball under his eyes and keeps it out.

At 140 kph, on a hard length, on the middle and leg stump corridor, Iyer is hurried on the back foot and nudges that to short mid-wicket.

Wide! Springs off the surface, a bit too short, outside off and over the batter's head. Iyer is happy to let it fly back to Latham.

Cuts back in off a length, Iyer opens his stance and stabs it to cover-point.

Fantastic bowling from Smith as he delivers a maiden! Hits the deck hard, on the pads, KL Rahul rises up with the bounce and nudges it to short mid-wicket. India need 64 runs to win from 174 balls.

Closer to the off pole on a marginally fuller length, KL Rahul presses forward and knocks it on the up to cover.

Aims the sticks with a fullish delivery, KL Rahul flicks it to mid-wicket.

Back of a length, on top of off, KL hangs back and opens the bat face to ease it towards backward point. 'No run, no run!' shouts KL.

Around off and fuller, Rahul covers the stumps by shuffling to his right and taps it with soft hands to cover.

Nathan Smith pulls out of his delivery stride. The take-off area seems to have an uneven patch, which is bothering him.

Fuller on the fourth stump, KL Rahul strides forward and pushes it to cover.

Fired on the pads, full in length, KL is hurried on his flick and misses to connect. It beats the inside edge and ricochets off the front pad to deep fine leg. They cross for a leg bye.

Too short and outside off, and that keeps climbing off the deck. KL drops his wrist to let it through. It's deemed a fair delivery and Rahul has a wry smile as he thinks that was over his head.

Short of a length, on off, KL defends it off the back foot to the off side.

Length, outside off, Iyer uses the pace and flays it to deep third for a run.

Length-delivery, outside off, punched off the back foot to cover.

FOUR! Some quick boundaries for India. A sharp nip-backer on a good length, rising up at an uncomfortable height. Iyer just manages to tickle it to deep fine leg and it speeds to the fence.

New Zealand lose a review! Back of a length, on off. KL Rahul pokes at it loosely, but the ball straightens and goes past the outside edge. It clips the thigh pad and Tom Latham grabs it behind the stumps. An appeal for caught behind, but turned down by Kumar Dharmasena. Santner consults with the bowler and the keeper before opting for a review as they reckon there were two sounds. But the UltraEdge presents a flat line when the ball is next to the bat, but there is a murmur when it deflects off KL's thigh pad. It's Not Out and the on-field decision is upheld.

SIX! Absolutely KLassic! Hammered short and outside the off stump. Rahul shifts his weight onto the back foot and nails the pull shot over deep square leg for a cracking six.

FOUR! What a shot! Well-directed short delivery by Nathan, and it kicks up a bit too. KL reads the length early, rolls his wrists to control the pull shot through square leg for a boundary. Not an easy shot to play on such bouncy tracks.

Short at shoulder height, Iyer swivels to pull but he is not completely in control of the shot but he hits it in the square leg gap and picks up a single.

Rifles back into the batter at 137 kph, Iyer stays leg side and punches it off the back foot to cover.

Rears up from a good length, over off, Iyer is taken aback as he tries to ride the bounce off the back foot. The ball hits the splice of the bat and rolls to point.

A skiddy delivery, outside off, KL Rahul covers the stumps to punch it away but the ball stays low, takes the bottom edge and bumps behind to the second slip fielder.

Cannoned in at 143 kph, a wee bit full on leg, Rahul flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

Full and it straightens off the pitch, KL Rahul watchfully keeps it out.

Speared on the pads, too full, Iyer whips it to the left of deep square leg. Tim Seifert covers good ground and makes a diving stop. One run taken.

Back of a length, on off, Iyer blocks it to the off side.

FOUR! Dismissed from his presence! Length delivery, wide of off. Plenty of width on offer and Shreyas goes deep in the crease before flaying it over point for a cracking boundary. The 50 is up for India. They need 82 runs to win.

DRINKS BREAK! New Zealand are in with more than just a sniff in the contest. They have thoroughly tested the Indian batters, with the pitch offering plenty of assistance to the seamers. A few of the Indian batters have also made things harder for themselves with their shot selection. From India's perspective, a lot will depend on this partnership, given their experience. Nathan Smith and Matthew Fisher have done well to keep the pressure on and will look to continue probing away after the break. Michael Bracewell is on the field as a substitute for Daryl Mitchell.

Bail-trimming length, on off, KL Rahul camps back and punches it to cover.

On off and fuller, KL Rahul prods forward and pushes it to covers.

Stump-to-stump on a good length, KL watchfully blocks it off the back foot.

Tight leave! Slams it into the surface, and gets it to deviate back in sharply. KL Rahul trusts the bounce and lifts his bat skyward to leave.

Wide! Oh, that hurried off the pitch! And Smith is down on the floor as he tumbles on his follow-through. An effort ball from him, too short over the head. KL lets it go.

Good length, outside off, Iyer stands tall and knocks it down towards deep cover for a single.

Nagging length, on the fourth stump. Iyer waits back and knocks it to cover-point.

Outside the off stump, and nips back in off a length, Rahul hops and dabs it to backward point. A highly successful over for Fisher.

KL Rahul is in at number 6. Two slips in place for the new batter.

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! A nothing shot from Axar as he throws his wicket away. Keeps hitting that 6-8 meter length, around the off stump, Axar Patel leans back to create room for the upper cut but offers a straightforward catch as the ball sails right into the hands of Jacob Duffy at deep third. Fisher makes an immediate impact as a concussion sub. New Zealand have roared back in this low-scoring game as India are 47/4, needing 88 more runs.

Good heat! Bangs it short and on the bodyline, cramping Axar for room. He looks to play at it, but the ball rifles off the pitch and rams around his hips.

Length  on leg, 140 kph, Axar hangs back and defends it to the right of the bowler.

Length delivery outside off, Patel rides the bounce and cuts it through the gap between backward point and cover-point. It's hit off the higher portion of the bat, so it doesn't travel quickly and slows in the outfield, and Phillips is quick to stop it with a slide. Two runs taken.

Skiddy delivery on a good length, on top of off, Patel hangs back and taps it to the cover region.

Matthew Fisher comes into the attack. He was not part of the original XI but has been brought in as a concussion substitute for Blair Tickner, who took a blow to the head while batting.

A direct hit might have been tight! Fraction fuller on the fourth stump, Patel opens the stance and clinks the drive to the left of mid off. They set off for a quick single but Axar is a bit slow to cover the distance. Santner dives to his left and fires in a throw at the bowling end, but misses his shy.

Attacks the stumps and Patel stabs it back to the bowler.

Length-delivery, around off, Patel drives it on the up to extra cover.

Fine response! Hits the back of a length, across the batter with bounce. Patel plays inside the line of the ball and gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! A bit streaky but he gets it away! Sharp bouncer by Nathan, on middle, and it keeps climbing on the batter. Axar arches back for the upper cut and gets a bit of an edge as the ball flies over Tom Latham. He leaps, but the ball stays out of his reach and races to the fence behind.

Slightly full on the pads, Axar whips it to short mid-wicket.

A maiden by Jamieson! Superb bowling. 1/21 in 6 overs so far for him. Short of a length, angled into the batter's body. Iyer hangs back and defends it down solidly.

Tests Iyer with another bumper, over the stumps, Shreyas ducks underneath it. The umpire signals for the first bouncer of the over.

Full on middle, angled in, Shreyas forces the drive to mid on.

And again! Good rhythmic bowling. Jamieson is giving his everything here. Keeps it outside off and bashes the length hard, Iyer loosely dangles the bat away from his body and is beaten all ends up.

Beaten! A bit too loose from Iyer! Back of a length, outside off, rears up at an awkward height. Shreyas goes for a square cut to the off side, but gets beaten by the extra bounce.

Hits the deck hard, on off and gets it to nip away, Shreyas covers the line and defends it down the pitch.

End of the first Powerplay, and it belongs to the bowlers once again. New Zealand have managed to make early inroads, and one more wicket soon can really spice up this contest. The hosts will be allowed to have a maximum of four fielders outside the ring till the 38th over.

Smith goes into the surface, on middle. Axar dances down the track and stays leg side of the ball. He throws his hands at the ball to force it through the off side but the ball sneaks under the blade and just about carries to the keeper. Smith has a chirp at the batter before turning around. At the end of the first Powerplay, India are 40/3, requiring 95 more runs.

At 139 kph, on a length on the off stump. Axar does not move his feet much and punches it on the rise. Smith makes a sharp stop to his left on his follow-through.

Beaten! This leaves the left-hander off a good length. Patel pushes away from his body and is beaten on the outside edge.

Pinged on the glove! Good energy behind the ball from Smith, on a back of a length, on middle. Patel brings his bat out in front for the block but the ball hurries him and rears up as well to catch him on the glove.

On the off stump, on a short of a length. Iyer plays the late dab down to deep third for a single.

Bowled on a back of a length, on off. Iyer hangs back to drop it down the strip.

Nathan Smith comes in as the first bowling change for New Zealand and will wrap up the first Powerplay. He replaces Jacob Duffy.

Goes past the bat! With a short leg in place, Jamieson goes for the ball and this is more on the fuller side, pushed across the left-hander. Axar pokes at the ball without any footwork and is lucky not to nick it behind. End of a successful over from Jamieson.

The physio is called on to check on Axar Patel. Maybe the ball clipped his glove and deflected onto his helmet before lobbing towards point. The concussion test is done and Axar is ready to resume. There's a short leg under the lid now. More short stuff coming?

Nearly two in two for Kyle Jamieson. What a ball to receive first up. A rib-snorter by Jamieson, banged in short and got it to climb onto the batter. Axar looks to fend it down from the crease but the ball takes off and brushes the glove and pops up off the helmet. It balloons in front of backward point, where Glenn Phillips charges in and flings himself forward but the ball does not carry to him.

Jamieson is over the moon as he leaps and roars in delight. Just like New Zealand's, India's top three couldn't do much today. Axar Patel is in at number 5.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Kyle Jamieson has his man, and he deserves this wicket. The ball is not all that full, on middle. Rohit puts his head down and tries to swing through the line and launch it down the ground. It moves away enough to take the outside edge. It flies quickly to second slip, where Henry Nicholls takes the catch around his left shoulder. India are now 3 down for 39, needing 96 more runs.

Good riposte! Moving away off the seam, on a length. Sharma has a feel for the delivery and is beaten past the outside edge.

SIX! All the way! Jamieson goes full in search of swing but drifts onto the pads. Rohit needs no second invitation as he picks it up off the pads. He gets it more from the lower half of the blade but gets enough to clear the backward square leg fence. India move to 39/2, needing 96 more runs.

Lands it on a length and this is angled in at the stumps. Rohit drops his bat down on the ball watchfully.

Out comes the short ball, on off. Iyer is waiting for it and he rides the bounce nicely to fend it down.

Hits the top of the off stump, does Duffy. Shreyas plays it crom the crease as he knocks it to point.

On the shorter side, on off and middle. Iyer punches it to cover.

Whoa, Iyer is down on the floor. Duffy bashes the hard length, on middle and leg. Iyer arches back for the upper cut and gets low but the ball keeps following him and he does well to drop his hands and sway away from the line of the ball.

A little too straight, bowled on a length, Iyer stays rooted to the crease and clips it to mid-wicket.

At 135 kph, skidding through, on middle, on a short of a length. Iyer stands tall on top of the bounce and taps it to cover.

Outside the off stump, on a good length. Rohit offers no shot.

Jamieson gets away with it. An effort ball, dug into the surface and it keeps rising on its way to the batter. Sharma swivels for the hook but is beaten for pace. The side on replays show that the ball sailed over Rohit's head and Kyle is lucky that it was not called a wide.

Inswinger attempted by Jamieson, very full, on middle. Rohit squeezes out the drive to mid on.

Much better from Jamieson. In and around the off pole, on a good length. Rohit covers the line and defends it out.

SIX! A Rohit Sharma special! Jamieson goes into the deck, but this sits up to be hit at waist height. Rohit picks up the length in a flash, presses back and unleashes the pull over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Hurls it full, getting the ball to curve away in the air. Rohit plays it late and close to his body as he guides it to backward point.

Banged in short, around leg. Iyer ducks under it.

Duffy hits the deck hard and finds purchase as the ball takes off. The line is a little too wide and Iyer flashes but fails to connect.

Good comeback by Duffy. Jagging back in sharply to tuck the batter up for room, on a short of a length. Shreyas dabs it down in front of cover.

SIX! Up and over! The length is pushed up, outside the off stump. Iyer does not move his feet at all and opens the bat face as he throws his hands at the ball. Slices it behind point for a maximum.

This is banged in short, well outside off. Iyer flashes hard at the ball but it sails over his blade.

Angled in at the hips. Rohit flicks it away through square leg for a single.

On a back of a length, outside off. Iyer punches it off the back foot but it goes straight to point.

In that testing channel on off, on the fuller side. Iyer leaves it alone without covering the off stump. Jamieson might have spotted that and could look to bring the ball back in from that line.

Slightly on a back of a length, outside off, not close enough to make the batter play. An easy leave for Iyer.

In line with the off stump, on a good length, Rohit tries to stab it down but the ball moves away late to catch the outer half. It goes down to deep third for a single.

Drags the length back and this is just outside the off stump. Sharma hops across to leave the ball alone.

This is full and it curves away late in the air. Rohit pushes it with a striaght bat to the left of mid on.

Good commitment in the field by Smith! Saves a couple of runs for his team. Fuller on the pads at 133 kph, Iyer clips it towards deep square leg. Nathan Smith charges in from deep backward square leg and dives full length to keep it in play, with the rope just inches away. The TV umpire checks the replays for any contact with the boundary. His left leg is in contact with the cushions, but that's after he flicked the ball back in. So eventually it's given the all-clear. Two runs taken.

Nathan Smith dives across to his left and flicks the ball back, but there is a suspicion that he has brushed the boundary cushions while holding the ball in his hand. The TV umpire is called upon to decide whether the ball was kept in play before Smith made contact with the boundary. And it is deemed a clean save.

On a good length, outside off. Iyer lets it pass.

India are in a bit of bother now with both Gill and Kohli dismissed cheaply. New Zealand won't go down without a fight here. Shreyas Iyer is the new batter.

OUT! CAUGHT! No mistake this time, and Virat Kohli is back in the hut. Jacob Duffy wins the battle against his RCB teammate. This is pitched up, on off. Kohli gets low and sets himself up for another cover drive but the ball holds in the surface, and he ends up pushing out well in front of his body. He chips it straight to cover, where Will Young takes the catch around his neck.

CHANCE GOES DOWN! Duffy angles in a full ball at the pads. Rohit plays the pick-up shot but is early into the shot. He gets only the height and not the distance. It is skied a long way up towards deep backward square leg. Nathan Smith runs in off the ropes but the ball swirls in the air and he does not manage to get under it. He dives forward but does not even lay a hand on the ball. Rohit gets a reprieve.

That is a ripper! A nod of approval by Rohit Sharma. On a back of a length, on off. Sharma hangs back to play it, but the ball takes off and flies past the bat.

Wide. Duffy serves it too full and down leg. Sharma is late on the shot and misses out on helping it away.

Honing in on the off stump, on a good length. Kohli looks to cover the line and play it with a straight bat. It kicks up a bit to catch the shoulder of the bat and goes down to deep third for a single.

Into the surface, moving away off the seam, on off. Rohit is squared up in defence but manages to keep it out on the off side.

A swing and a miss! Rohit tries to put Jamieson off his length and steps out of his crease. This is on a hard length, over off. Sharma stays leg side of the ball and swings to go down the ground but the bounce generated by Jamieson results in the ball sailing over the blade.

Brings the stumps into play with a length ball. Sharma defends it solidly with a straight bat.

Back to that channel outside off and it is fuller as well. A hint of an away shape. Rohit makes a watchul leave.

FOUR! Easily done. Bowled on a back of a length but the line is a little too straight, at the pads. Rohit hops and rolls his wrists over the ball to help the pull to the left of deep fine leg. One bounce and over the ropes.

That is a ripper from Jamieson. 'That's gone like a fast leg break,' quips Simon Doull. Angled in towards the off stump, on a good length, Rohit stays back to deal with it and plays the initial line but it nips away to whistle past the blade.

Nice and tight, on a nagging length, on middle. Kohli defends it from the crease.

Slanting into the pads, Kohli lets the ball come on and brings his wrists into play to flick it to the left of deep fine leg for a couple of runs.

Angled in at the sticks, on a good length, Kohli nudges it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Creamed away. Duffy goes full in search of swing but overcooks as he dishes out a half-volley outside off. Kohli leans into the drive and, with a high elbow, he crunches the drive to the right of the cover fielder for a boundary to get going.

Shaping away from the right-hander, on a good length. Kohli shoulders arms.

An early breakthrough, just what the Kiwis would have hoped for. Virat Kohli makes his way to the crease at number 3. He is fresh off a superb 74 in the series opener and is closing in on 2000 ODI runs against New Zealand.

OUT! CAUGHT! Jacob Duffy strikes with his first ball and sends the Indian skipper packing for a golden duck. This moves away in the air, on a nagging length, just outside the off stump. Gill stays back and has a slight fiddle at the ball before trying to withdraw his bat. It is too late by then as the outside edge is found. It dips on Henry Nicholls at second slip, but he gets low to his right and it just about carries to him. India are 4/1, chasing 135.

A very disciplined start by Jamieson. He beat Rohit several times with his swing. Jacob Duffy will operate from the other end.

Blair Tickner is substituted by Matthew Fisher

FOUR! Uppish but in the gap. Rohit Sharma and India are underway. Kyle goes into the surface, outside off. Just enough width for Rohit to work with it and he gets his hands high to cut it past the diving Glenn Phillips at backward point to his right for a boundary.

This is in the channel, on a length. Sharma makes a watchful leave.

And again! This has been a probing start from the towering quick. Kyle hits the hard length, around off. Rohit stands up tall on his toes to fend it down but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Goes past the bat for the third ball in a row. This is fuller, closer to the off stump. Rohit presses half-forward to block but is beaten past the outside edge as the ball moves away.

A flash and a miss! Jamieson offers width, on the shorter side. Rohit's eyes light up on seeing the width and he goes for the cut but does not make any connection.

Right on the money! Jamieson hits the back of a length, keeping the line around the off stump. Rohit hops to ride the bounce and presents a straight bat. The ball nibbles away off the deck to zip past the outside edge.

OUT! CASTLED! You miss, I hit, says Anshul Kamboj. With his 2nd wicket, Kamboj wraps up the innings. New Zealand have been bowled out for 134. He spears in a full delivery at 135.2 kph, right on middle. Tickner backs away, anticipating the short ball, and collapses his back knee. He swings hard, looking to launch it down the ground, but the length is too full for the shot. The ball sneaks under the blade and crashes into the stumps.

Hammered into the pitch, angled at the armpits, Duffy hangs back by making room and shanks it over wide mid-wicket for a single.

At 132 kph, fuller on the fourth stump, Duffy drives it on the up to covers.

Short of a length, angled onto the body, Tickner backs away and miscues the pull shot to widish mid on for a single.

Wow, some aggression from Tickner! He bravely charges out of the crease to give it a whack down the ground, and seeing that, Anshul bangs it short and keeps it away from the batter. Blair swings with a flat-batted angle and misses to connect.

Blair Tickner seems to have suffered a minor cut on the back of his right ear. The physio carefully wipes away the blood with a piece of cotton before taping up the affected area. Tickner is all patched up and ready to resume.

Oh, my goodness! That's a heavy blow to the helmet, and the visor also comes off. KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj immediately rush towards Tickner to see if he is alright. He will go through a mandatory concussion test. Coming to the delivery, Kamboj digs in a short ball, following the batter with Tickner already backing away to the leg side. He swishes hard to pull and misses, and the ball clips the side of his helmet as he takes his eyes off the ball. After being hit around the chin in Auckland, he cops another one here around his right ear.

Left alone, and Brar will have to be content with a four-wicket haul. Outside off, on a good length. An easy leave for Duffy. Brar finishes with his best figures in ODIs - 10-2-30-4

Jacob Duffy is the last batter in for New Zealand. Brar has one ball left to complete a five-for. Can he?

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Gurnoor Brar picks up his 4th wicket and these are now his best bowling figures in ODIs. Brar continues to bang it into the surface, keeping the line around the off stump. Smith hops up and presents a straight bat to defend. The ball moves away just enough to square the batter up. The outside edge is found and it goes straight into the waiting hands of Rohit Sharma at a slightly wide slip and he takes the catch around his waist. Brar has one ball left to pick up his 5th scalp.

Serious heat from Brar! At 140 kph, a bumper, just outside off. Smith gets up on his toes to use the pace and slap it behind point but is beaten for pace.

Hits the deck, on middle. Nathan stabs it down from the crease.

Wide. Down leg, on a hard length. Smith swings to get it away behind square on the leg side but misses.

This is fuller in length, on off and middle. Smith hangs back in the crease to push it down the ground with a straight bat. Virat Kohli is a bit wide at mid on and he goes after it but cannot prevent the batters from taking the second run.

A flash and a miss! Brar bangs it in short, outside off. Smith presses up on his toes and tries to flay it away on the off side but the ball sails over his blade.

Gurnoor Brar will bowl out. He has bowled with good aggression, and with figures of 9-2-27-3 so far, he's been the standout bowler for India today. Would like to cap off his spell with another wicket. Will he go pole-hunting, or persist with hitting the deck hard?

Dropped short and Axar offers a bit of width as well. Smith rocks back and cuts it wide of deep point, where Shreyas Iyer tidies up to his left. Just a single.

Rapped on the pads! Skidding through, on the shorter side. Smith hangs back to deal with it but plays all around it and wears it on the front pad. It seemed to be going down leg and India do not take the review.

On a nagging length, on middle. Smith hangs back to defend.

Slower and shorter, on middle and leg. Tickner nudges it square on the leg side and gets off the mark.

The Kiwis are falling apart now. 9.4 overs are still to be bowled, but they have just two wickets left. Blair Tickner is in at number 10. A slip in place. It's Rohit there.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! No doubt about this one. This is nearly 10 kphs quicker than the previous ball, bowled at 91.3 kph, full and darted into the right-hander. Jamieson pushes out in front, but the ball slides past the inside edge and crashes into the leg stump. Wicket number 2 for Axar Patel and New Zealand are now 8 down for 127.

Not out! Axar holds this one back, bowling it at 82 kph, on a length, on off. Jamieson reaches out in front in a bid to force it away, but the ball sneaks under the blade. Kyle's back leg gets stretched out and KL Rahul is quick to whip the bails off. It is referred upstairs but the replays show that Jamieson had slid his back leg inside the crease before the stumps were broken.

Powerplay 3! India will be allowed to have a maximum of five fielders outside the inner ring till the end of the innings, i.e., the 47th over.

Hits the top of the off stump. Smith pats it back to the bowler with a straight bat.

Wide! Back to over the wicket but this is sprayed down leg. Smith misses out on the glance.

From around the wicket, Brar continues to bowl it into the surface. Jamieson moves towards the leg side and punches it on the up to the left of mid on for a single.

Geez, that was a hostile bumper from Brar. The physio rushes out for a mandatory concussion test. Jamieson looks a bit shaken after taking a blow to the backside of his helmet.

That is nasty! Gurnoor bowls a sharp bumper, following the batter. Jamieson exposes all three stumps and looks to take on the short ball. He takes his eyes off the ball as it clatters into the side of the helmet and rolls away on the off side.

Back to banging it into the wicket, on middle and leg. Jamieson swings for the hills but can only connect with thin air.

FOUR! That has been crunched. 1-0 to Jamieson in his battle against Gurnoor. Brar fires it full, on middle. Kyle backs away towards the leg side, expecting the short ball but is able to adjust to the length by extending his hands. He smashes it between cover and mid off for a boundary.

Jamieson isn't going to die wondering. Brar bashes the hard length, on middle and leg. Kyle backs away and swings to go big on the leg side but the ball sails over his blade.

Fractionally short, on middle. Jamieson goes onto the back foot and punches it to long off for one.

Not all that short but this slides on with the arm. Jamieson hops back in his crease to keep it out.

Shorter and around off. Jamieson angles it to point.

Floated up, on middle. Jamieson pushes it down the strip. Axar dives to his left and makes the stop.

Flat and short, on middle. Kyle defends it from the crease.

Angled into the pads, on a nagging length. Jamieson tucks it to mid-wicket.

On a good length, on off. Jamieson has a swing at it. Gets an outside edge down to deep fine leg for a single.

Into the tailenders now. The towering figure of Kyle Jamieson comes in at number 9. That bat in his hand looks as if he is holding a toothpick.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Gurnoor Brar answers right back. Santner was perhaps expecting another short ball and he backed away early. Brar responds by following him with a back-of-a-length delivery. Mitchell ends up playing a nothing shot as he pokes at the ball. Gets a feather of an outside edge, and KL Rahul gobbles it up with ease around his midriff. Brar lets out a huge roar, getting right into Santner's face as he celebrates the wicket. A fiery send-off from the youngster, and he might just have earned himself an invitation for a cup of tea from the match referee.

SIX! Have some of that, says Mitchell Santner. Brar dishes out the short ball, over middle. Santner does really well to fetch it from over his head and hooks it away with a bit of flair beyond the deep fine leg fence for a maximum.

Digs it in on a hard length, on off. Santner presses up on his toes to fend it down but gets it off the inner half to square leg.

Slanting in on middle, on a back of a length. Santner hangs back to defend.

Wide. Down leg, on a short of a length. Santner pivots on the back foot to help it away with the angle but misses. There was a noise and there was a stifled appeal from KL Rahul but Gurnoor Brar did not show any interest and the umpire signalled wide.

Angled into the pads. Santner clips it to mid-wicket.

That's a gut punch on New Zealand. Nathan Smith is in at number 8, with 12 overs remaining.

OUT! CAUGHT! Daryl Mitchell's vigil comes to an end as New Zealand lose their last recognised batter. This is darted in full and at the sticks from around the wicket. Mitchell shimmies down the track and looks to clip it away on the leg side with a closed bat face. The ball holds up in the surface and straightens just enough to take the leading edge. It goes a long way up towards long off, where Anshul Kamboj settles under it and does the rest. End of a 59-run stand. New Zealand are now 112/6.

Landed full and outside off, Daryl tries the reverse sweep, but the ball goes on the bounce to backward point, where Kohli dives to his right and makes the stop.

A bit slower on a length, outside off, Santner cuts it to deep point for an easy single.

The top-spinner by the looks of it, at 94 kph, full on middle, spinning in, Santner pushes it back to the bowler.

Fulllish, outside off, driven off the front foot to cover.

Pitched full on middle, drifting in with the arm, Daryl spreads over the crease and tries to drive it to covers, but gets an inside edge. The ball gets squirted past the leg stump, for a single to short fine leg.

Into the surface, on off. Mitchell punches it to deep cover for a run.

Good length, outside off. Mitchell lets it pass. Brar walks up to him and cheekily applauds the leave.

Here we go again! Brar gets into a verbal exchange with Daryl Mitchell, and this is not the first time we have seen him get involved in such battles. In Auckland, he was happy to give Blair Tickner a piece of his mind as well. Fuller in length, on off, this is angled to point.

This takes off a bit, on a hard length, outside off. Mitchell shapes up to flay it away but then withdraws his bat.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR MITCHELL, his 7th fifty-plus score against India in 13 innings in ODIs, according to the on-air commentators. The conditions have been challenging, and he also got a reprieve on 21 when Shubman Gill put him down, but he has hung in there. On a hard length, on off. Mitchell clears the front leg and has a big swing at it, looking to go big on the leg side. The top edge flies over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Brar bangs it away on a back of a length and it rears up on the batter. Mitchell arches back to fend it down.

Gurnoor Brar is back on. He has been outstanding so far, with bowling figures reading 6-2-8-2. He replaces Auqib Nabi.

This is full, on off, driven to long off for a single by Mitchell.

This keeps coming in with the arm, tucking the batter up for room. Mitchell pushes it back to the bowler.

The 50-run stand comes up between these two batters. Bowled with a flatter trajectory, on a good length. Mitchell plays the conventional sweep this time and gets it past the man at square leg inside the circle. Naman Dhir at deep mid-wicket sprints and slides to his right to mop it up. Two runs taken.

Angled in on a length. Mitchell brings out the reverse but can't get it past Virat Kohli at backward point, who is swift to his right.

Mitchell shows his cards early and steps out of the crease. Axar adjusts by dragging the length back and slowing it down. Daryl can only stab it down.

Darted in at the pads, on a good length. Mitchell turns it to mid-wicket.

An effort ball by Nabi, bending his back and digging it in short. Santner presses up on his toes to fend it down but the ball leaves him with the angle and he does well not to follow the ball.

Hits the back of a length, on off. Mitchell pats it down to long on and crosses over.

KL Rahul comes up to the stumps. Nabi hurls it on a good length, outside off. Mitchell walks across and punches it to cover.

KL Rahul goes back to his usual position for Santner. Angled across off, on the shorter side. Santner stands tall on top of the bounce and punches it to deep point for one.

Nabi looks to go full but ends up serving a low full toss and it curves back in the air. Mitchell knocks it to long on and turns the strike over. The 100 is up for New Zealand.

On a back of a length, nipping away with a bit of extra bounce. Mitchell is taken aback as he dabs it down to backward point.

SIX! Into the stands. This is flighted up by Axar, a bit too full, on off. Santner gets the ball right in his arc and he does not miss out. He drops to a knee and nails the slog sweep over deep mid-wicket for half a dozen.

A bit fuller, on off. Santner gets half-forward for the block.

At 88 kph, drifting in, shorter and on off. Santner taps it to cover-point.

Pushed through, on a good length, on off. Mitchell hops back and punches it to cover.

This does not turn and keeps straight, on a length, outside off. A bit too close for the leave but Santner does so.

At 98 kph, full and wide on off. Mitchell reaches across and gets low to drive it towards long off for a single. The partnership moves to 40.

Length-delivery on off, Daryl hangs back and with a high-elbow, he punches it down to long on for a single.

A yorker around off, Mitchell drags it across by shoveling it to the leg side.

Good length outside off, fended to the off side by Daryl.

Big swing and a miss! Pitched up on fourth stump, Mitchell shuffles across and drops into the slog-sweep position. In trying to force it too hard, he loses his shape, gets beaten on the inside edge, and the ball skims past the off pole into the keeper's gloves.

Fuller now, on middle and leg, pushed back to the bowler.

SIX! Onto it in a flash! With the keeper up to the stumps, Nabi lands it on a good length, on the stumps, Daryl gets into a great position, picks the length in a trice and hoists it over deep mid-wicket for a big six. He moves to 42!

Auqib Nabi (5-0-21-2) returns to the attack. KL Rahul is standing up to the stumps.

Beauty! Tossed up full outside off at 93 kph, with a hint of drift back in. Mitchell pushes forward to block, but the ball sneaks past the outside edge, brushes the front pad, and runs past KL Rahul towards short third man for a leg bye.

On off and full, tossed up nicely, Daryl blocks it in front with a straight bat.

Full again, outside off, reverse swept by Daryl to short third.

Quicker through the air, full on off, Mitchell attempts the reverse sweep and hits it off the glove towards backward point. A lengthy appeal for LBW by KL Rahul but the bowler does not look that interested and the umpire shakes his head too.

Sliding with the arm, on a length, Mitchell nudges it to square leg. Santner thinks for a single, charges, but then retreats as the throw is fired to the bowler.

Drops it full on off, Mitchell carefully defends it.

DRINKS BREAK! New Zealand are going nowhere with their innings as India continue to keep things tight with disciplined bowling. There are 22 overs left in the innings, and the Kiwis need to reassess how they want to approach the remainder of their innings. They cannot afford to sit back for too long and will need to start taking calculated risks sooner rather than later. India will know that the hosts will eventually have to take their chances. Opportunities are bound to come, and the key for the visitors will be to keep doing what has worked so well with the ball so far and make the most of their chances in the field. Axar Patel to bowl after the break.

Fuller and outside off, Daryl drives it to deep cover-point for a single.

Length-delivery on middle, tight line on the body. Mitchell initially thinks to shape up for a pull shot but decides to defend it straight back to the bowler, using soft hands.

Wide! Spongy bounce on this one, short and passing over the batter's head. Daryl lets it through.

Oh, this one nips in from a good length, on the stumps, Mitchell stands tall to block it but gets a bit of an inside edge on the front pad.

Length ball on middle, Mitchell gets across and bunts it to mid-wicket.

Shortish delivery, outside off, nipping away off the seam. Santner plays away from his body with no footwork, gets an outside edge that flies wide of the man in the slip cordon for a single.

Hard length, outside off, Santner rides the bounce, but cannot find the gap and scythes it to backward point.

A well-directed bouncer by Kamboj that keeps taking off from the track, over the top of the stumps, Daryl just about manages to duck underneath it.

Full and on off, holding its line, Santner lets it arrive and taps it to the left of backward point. Axar gets across, picks and throws with his dominant hand as the batters skate through for a single, but misses his shy at the bowling end.

Not all that short, on off, Santner hangs back and defends to the off side.

At 135 kph, this is slammed on a length, on off, Mitchell pulls it firmly but finds the man patrolling the deep square leg fence. One run taken.

Back of a length, on the fourth stump, Santner punches it through covers for a single.

Fuller in length and far outside off. Santner looks to drive it in front of square on the off side but gets a thickish outside edge towards deep third for a couple of runs.

On a length, wide of off, Daryl square cuts it but straight to the fielder at backward point. 'Oh, hit in the gap', mutters Mitchell, visibly frustrated at not being able to put that away.

Length, on off, Daryl Mitchell hangs back and tucks it to cover.

The length is pulled back by Singh, on the stumps, Santner plays close to the body and taps it towards cover for a quick single. Good hustle by the batters.

Switches to around the wicket and slants it outside off with a full ball, Santner shows no interest in poking at it.

Hammered short again, over the top of off, Mitchell swivels and pulls it to the left of Iyer at deep square leg for one more.

Short of a good length, outside off, Santner punches it crisply off the back foot, through covers. Shreyas marches to his left from deep point and cuts it off. One run taken.

A skiddy delivery, full on the middle stump. It stays low and Daryl jams the bat down to stab it back at the bowler.

Length ball outside off, punched on the up to covers.

Nearly dragged on! Kamboj steams in from around the stumps and bangs it hard into the pitch. Santner looks to punch it square on the off side, but the ball keeps hooping in and takes the inside edge, but bounces past the leg stump and rolls towards fine leg for a single.

A full ball on leg, Daryl drives it through mid on for a single.

Back of a length, attacking the pads, Santner misses the flick and is struck on the thigh pad. They get a leg bye as the ball deflects to the right of KL Rahul. That skidded through a bit.

Fuller on the fourth stump, Santner presses forward and defends it to cover.

Anshul Kamboj returns, replacing Axar Patel. 1/16 in Kamboj's 5 overs so far.

Around the stumps. Landed fuller on off, angled in, defended watchfully by Daryl off the back foot.

Nagging length, on the leg stump, Mitchell tries to play the leg glance but misses and is hit on the thigh pad.

FOUR! Good adjustment by Mitchell! Dug into the pitch, a long way down the leg side, Mitchell shuffles inside the line, gets on top of the bounce and controls the pull shot by rolling his wrists and hitting it down to deep fine leg for a boundary.

Shapes away just a little bit, from middle to off, smidge full. Mitchell watches it closely before defending it straight.

In-between length, outside off, Santner stays deep in the crease and tries to flay it behind point, but the ball perhaps holds on the surface, arrives late and he outside edges it to deep third for a single.

Length-delivery on the stumps, Daryl plays off the back foot and tugs it to the vacant mid-wicket region for a quick single.

Arshdeep Singh comes back to replace Gurnoor Brar. 4-1-4-0 so far for Arshdeep.

FOUR! Mistimed but still good enough to clear the infield! Flatter and a bit fuller, outside off, Mitchell Santner stays put and chips it over the extra cover fielder to pick up his first boundary.

Darted in on a length, 91 kph, outside off, Santner hangs back and lets it be.

Around off and full, Mitchell caresses it to the left of mid off for a single.

The in-dipper by Axar, full on off, and spinning in a shade. Santner is drawn forward, looks to block, gets an inside edge and the ball rolls wide of square leg for a single.

Pushed fuller on the stumps, Mitchell strokes it along the ground to long on for a run.

Short and drifting in at 96 kph, Mitchell awkwardly fends it to the right of the bowler.

Short again and it just keeps rising on the batter while angling in, Santner stands up on his toes and fends it down with soft hands.

Hits that 6-8 meter length consistently, does Brar. Santner hops on the toes and knocks it to cover-point.

Shortish, outside off, Santner rides the bounce and punches it through cover and cover-point. Shreyas chases it from the inner ring and keeps the batters to two runs.

From around the stump, this is speared fuller on the middle stump, Santner lets the ball arrive and defends it to covers.

Short of a length, on top of off, Santner stabs it to backward point by hanging back.

Pitched outside leg, on a good length, at 139 kph. Santner hangs back and dabs it with soft hands to the leg side.

Full on the stumps, 91 kph, Mitchell blocks it to the left of the bowler. New Zealand are 55/5. It has been 51 balls since the last boundary.

Flat and short outside off, Santner cuts it through point for a single.

A fullish delivery at 91 kph, on middle-and-leg. Mitchell gets across and plays the reverse sweep into the gap to the right of backward point, but the sweeper cover sprints across to his left and cuts it off. One run taken.

A bit full on the stumps, flicked off the pads to mid-wicket.

Drifting in on the pads, Mitchell tries to tuck it to the leg side, but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball lobs off the front pad and drops in the leg side.

Floated up and into the batter, full in length, Daryl reverse sweeps it to short third.

A bit of an unnecessary shot by Phillips, especially this early in his innings. 53/3 becomes 53/5 for the Kiwis. Captain Mitchell Santner is in at number 7.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Gurnoor Brar goes bang, bang, and he lets out a big roar. A four-ball duck for Glenn Phillips as New Zealand slip into further trouble. A real effort ball from Brar as he bends his back and digs it in short, keeping the line outside off. Phillips gets up on his toes and goes for the pull, but Brar's extra bounce gets the better of him. The ball takes the top edge of the blade and goes high towards deep fine leg. It swirls a little in the air, but Anshul Kamboj does well to circle underneath it and complete the catch. Another big wicket for India. New Zealand are now 53/5.

Angled in on a good length, on middle. Phillips defends it from the crease.

A play and a miss! Bowled at 140 kph, on the shorter side, outside off. Phillips goes for the cut but the ball is not all that wide and it keeps a bit low as well to go under the bat.

Seaming back in, on a good length, outside off. Phillips shoulders arms.

Latham went for the risk but paid the price. The partnership was developing slowly, but nicely and they will have to rebuild once again. Now then, The Time is Now blares at the Hnry Stadium as the man in form, Glenn Phillips, walks out to the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT! Gurnoor Brar gets his reward for keeping things quiet and breaks out the 'block out the noise' celebration. Brar dismisses Latham for the second game in a row. A cross-seam delivery, banged in short and outside off. Latham would have been better off playing the cut and going through the off side, but he stays tall and tries to drag the pull. He gets it only as far as deep square leg, where Naman Dhir is positioned well inside the ropes. He runs forward and takes a safe catch. Latham never really got going, and New Zealand are now 4 down for 53.

Going away, on a good length. Latham punches it to cover-point.

Was that a chance? Pushed through, outside off. Latham sets up to play the lap but the ball sneaks under the blade and catches KL Rahul off guard. It clips his gloves and goes behind towards short third for one. Given as a run by the umpire, so there might have been an under-edge.

Speared in full, on middle. Mitchell presses forward and works it down to long on for another single.

Bowled on a length, outside off. Latham reaches out in front and plays the dab sweep down to deep fine leg for a run.

A bit of air given, full and on off. Mitchell gets low and drags the sweep wide of deep square leg. They think about the second run but Naman Dhir is quick to his right and keeps the batters down to one. The 50 is up for New Zealand.

Drifting in from around the wicket, full and on middle. Mitchell brings his bat out in front and defends.

Flighted up, on off. Latham steps across and gets low to play the lap down to deep fine leg for a single.

First look at spin, then. Axar Patel replaces Anshul Kamboj.

Dug in short at 143 kph, over middle. Mitchell ducks under it. Another tidy over by Brar.

At 144 kph, just outside the off stump. Mitchell hangs back to deal with it and ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

Honing in on the off pole, on a good length. Mitchell gets behind the line and stabs it down the strip.

Lands it on a hard length, on off. Mitchell gets his hands high and rides the bounce to guide it to backward point.

On a good length, on off. Mitchell punches it to mid off.

Angled in at the hips. Latham glances it behind square leg for a single.

The length is fuller, on off. Mitchell lunges for the block.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is on as a substitute fielder for now, though it is not immediately clear who he has replaced.

Bowled on a short of a length, on middle. Latham flicks it away through mid-wicket for a single.

On a back of a length, on off and middle. Mitchell drops it beside the strip on the leg side and crosses over.

Fuller in length, on off. Mitchell gets forward to defend.

DROPPED! Well, well, Shubman Gill has put down a dolly. Daryl Mitchell had given up and had started to walk back. The pressure India built through some disciplined bowling forced Mitchell into the shot, but it has not been backed up in the field. On a good length, on off. Mitchell gives the bowler the charge and has a swing at it. Ends up slicing it between cover and mid off. Gill moves to his left from mid off and seems to have taken it a bit too easily. He could have taken another step forward to take the catch close to his chest. He gets his hands out in front around his waist and shells an easy catch.

This is bowled on a length, outside off. Mitchell walks out of the crease and across the stumps to play a wristy drive to the right of the bowler. 22 balls since the last boundary. Good build-up of pressure from India.

The line stays around the off stump, on a nagging length. Latham defends it close to his body.

Angled across off, on a back of a length. Latham hangs back and steers it to backward point.

Brar bends his back and digs it in short, on middle and leg. Mitchell is standing out of the crease and ducks under it. It keeps rising on its way to KL Rahul, who moves to his left and leaps. He manages to lay a hand on it and parries it away to his left as the batters cross for a bye.

Nicely bowled! Brar pulls the length back a bit and gets the ball to straighten off the deck. Mitchell is neither forward nor back and is caught somewhere in between on the block. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

A little fuller, keeping the stumps in play. Mitchell hangs low and blocks it out watchfully with a straight bat.

Good energy behind the ball from Brar. At 142 kph, not close enough to make the batter play but this takes off a bit and carries at head height to KL Rahul as Daryl Mitchell makes the leave.

Nice and tight, on top of off. Latham has no room to work with and he punches it to short cover.

This is bowled by going wide on the crease, on a length at the sticks at 135 kph. Latham firms the drive to mid on.

Fuller in length and wider as well. Mitchell shuffles across to get close to the line of the ball. The ball catches the inner half of the blade and goes through square leg, allowing a single.

That will hurt! Banged in short by Kamboj, on off. Mitchell shapes up for the pull but swings early and gets hit on the right forearm before it dribbles to the off side.

In line with the off stump, bowled on a good length. Mitchell walks down the track but can only knock it down to mid on with a straight bat.

Cutting back a bit off the seam, on the shorter side. Daryl turns it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

Drinks Break! The Indian bowlers have bossed it up in Wellington so far, as runs have come at a premium. With overcast skies and moisture on the surface, the seamers were licking their lips, and they did make early inroads, making the most of bowling-conducive conditions by reducing the Kiwis to 23/3, blowing their top order away. Nabi has chipped in with two wickets, getting off the mark with the ball in his international career, while Kamboj has also made his presence felt with a wicket of his own. Mitchell and Latham have a huge job on their hands to rebuild this innings. They have shown good resolve to stay in, and with the sun shining brightly, conditions at the crease should gradually become more hospitable.

Good running! Brar goes into the surface, on off. Mitchell rides the bounce nicely and drops it on the off side before calling his partner through for a quick single. Brar attacks the ball on his follow-through but before he can turn around and have a shy at the bowling end, Mitchell is home.

In and around the off stump, on a back of a length. Mitchell pats it down beside the strip on the off side.

At 142 kph, on top of middle. Mitchell stays back and plays around his front pad as he clips it to mid-wicket.

Strays on the pads, on a good length. Latham stays rooted to the crease and flicks it down to deep fine leg for a single.

Going away with the angle, on a back of a length. Tom presses up on his toes and guides it to backward point.

Brar hits the back of a length and due to his height, he is able to hit the bat around the sticker. Latham blocks it out from the crease.

Pushes the length up, around off. Daryl takes a couple of steps down the track and presses forward to stab it down.

The length is pulled back and it is in the channel. Mitchell makes a watchful leave.

Sticks to the full length, on off. Mitchell walks down the track and blocks it out.

FOUR! Put away with disdain. After being put under pressure with a boundary on the last ball, Anshul loses his radar and floats up a half-volley, on off. Mitchell continues to stand out of the crease and drills it through the line to the left of mid on for another four.

FOUR! Agricultural but effective. Kamboj bowls it on a length, outside off. Mitchell is standing out of the crease and reaches out for it. He has a big swing at it and shanks it off the inner half to the right of mid on for a boundary.

That could have so easily gone back onto the stumps. Kamboj serves it full, wide on off. Mitchell's eyes light up on seeing the width and goes hard on the drive away from his body. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads and it rolls away to square leg.

Across off, into the surface. Tom angles it from the crease to backward point.

Delivers it on a nagging length, on middle. Latham drops it beside the strip on the leg side.

Pushed across the left-hander, on a short of a good length. Latham dabs it with an open bat face but can't get it past Axar Patel at backward point, who dives to his right to make the stop.

Shouts of 'catch'! Brar bashes the hard length, on off. Mitchell tries to take it on with the pull but is rushed and the ball gets big on him as well. Spoons it between mid-wicket and mid on for a single. One of the bails at the bowler's end came off, but Brar didn't make any contact with the stumps while following through.

A effort ball by Brar, on a shortish length, around leg. Mitchell hops inside the line and tucks it down to mid-wicket, where Virat Kohli is quick to his right and prevents the single.

Hurls it on a good length, on middle. Latham hangs deep in the crease and nudges it wide of mid-wicket, getting hit high on the bat. The batters pinch in a quick single.

Wide. A wayward start by Brar, as this is down leg, on a hard length. Latham gets inside the line and shoulders arms.

The sun is beginning to break through the clouds, and it has turned pleasingly bright in Wellington​​​​​. That should ease conditions for batting. Gurnoor Brar is introduced into the attack, replacing Auqib Nabi.

Kamboj goes into the wicket and this is aimed at the ribs. Mitchell hops and drops it down in front of square leg.

Stays full and keeps the stumps in play. Mitchell presents the full face of the bat and eases it to mid on.

Slightly fuller, slanting back in at the sticks. Mitchell shuffles across and gets behind the line, defending with a straight bat.

This cuts back in sharply and it kicks up as well. Mitchell hops across to get behind the line but is undone by the seam movement and wears it around the box.

Bowled on a back of a length, seaming away, on off. Latham lets the ball come on and angles it behind to deep third for a single.

Goes past the bat! Angled in before nibbling away off the seam, Tom is drawn forward but is beaten past the outside edge. There was a noise but it was from the bat clipping the front pad.

End of the first Powerplay, which belonged to India. Powerplay 2 will run until the 38th over, during which India can have a maximum of 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle. However, as we saw in Auckland, Shubman Gill is unlikely to spread the field just yet. Given the match situation, he will want to keep the pressure on and continue attacking.

Persists bowling on that back of a length, outside off, Mitchell hits it on the up to the point region. At the end of the first Powerplay, New Zealand are 29/3.

Nagging length, in the channel, 130 kph, Mitchell rocks back and taps it to backward point with soft hands.

Length-delivery, outside off, Mitchell opts to leave as the ball nips away. KL makes a half-stop behind the stumps as the ball trickles behind him.

Angled into the batter, on a length, Mitchell hangs back and stabs it back to Nabi.

SIX! Mitchell tees off! A slot-ball by Auqib, with the keeper standing up to the stumps. Mitchell clears the front leg and thumps it over long on for a six. That will ease up his nerves a bit.

Lands it on a good length, outside off at 130 kph. Mitchell opens the face and punches it left of backward point, but Axar flings himself across and pulls off a sharp diving stop.

Will we see a double change? The answer is no. Auqib Nabi will bowl a 5th over in a row. KL Rahul continues to be up to the stumps for Daryl Mitchell.

Hits the length hard, does Kamboj, on off, Latham gets on top of the bounce to defend it back to the bowler.

Good length, outside off, Latham defends it to mid off.

Three down inside the first Powerplay. Tom Latham walks in next.

OUT! CHOPPED ON! A bit of an unlucky way to get dismissed, and Anshul is all smiles. Back of a length around off stump, cutting back in sharply. Nicholls hops across a bit, offers an angled bat from deep in the crease, gets an inside edge onto the pad, and the ball then trickles on to clip the off stump and dislodge the bail. New Zealand are under tremendous pressure with the top three blown away. They are 23/3.

FOUR! Off the edge and through to the fence. Kamboj extracts extra bounce on a good length outside off, with the ball holding its line. Nicholls, drawn across his off stump, edges it. But the chance doesn't carry. Rahul flings himself across in front of Rohit at slip, gets his fingertips nowhere near it, and the ball runs away to the deep third fence for a boundary

Proactive fielding! Bowls from a wider angle from around the stumps. Too full and wide of off, Henry reaches out to pierce the gap on the off side, hits it crisply, but Axar makes a fantastic diving stop to his right at backward point. Surely saves a boundary, as that was travelling rapidly.

Starts with a length ball, on middle, Nicholls knocks it to mid on.

Anshul Kamboj comes into the attack as the first change, replacing Arshdeep Singh.

FOUR! Edgy but safe! Fullish ball, outside the off pole, Daryl looks to thump it down the ground, but the ball nips away, takes the outside edge and flies down to deep third for a boundary.

KL Rahul comes up to the stumps.

A length ball, on the stumps, Nicholls flicks it off the back foot to the left of mid-wicket for a run.

Misses out! A bouncer around the off stump, and it jumps off the track. Nicholls is beaten on an attempted pull shot. Looks visibly disappointed at failing to put that away.

Wide! Way too short and miles outside off, beyond the tramline, Nicholls lets it go.

A peach of a delivery! But hang on! It's a NO BALL as Nabi has overstepped. A bit short of a length, straightening off the pitch, outside off. Nicholls loosely pokes at it and gets beaten on the outside edge. Free Hit coming up...

Good length, on the stumps, angled in, Nicholls tucks it to mid-wicket.

Jags back from the fourth stump, on a length, this is defended off the inside half of the bat by Henry. The ball the rolls to the leg side.

Nagging length from around the stump, nipping in off the seam. Nicholls gets forward to block but gets an inside edge on the pads and the ball keeps rolling on the pitch.

Angles it into the batter, on a length, Daryl defends it off the back foot.

At 132 kph, Arshdeep bowls a length-delivery from 'round the stump, Mitchell covers the line and blocks it down the pitch.

Had to really hurry! A touch fuller than a length, on middle and leg, Henry stands outside the crease to start with and tucks it to the right of mid-wicket and sets through for a single. Gurnoor Brar swoops across and hurls in an underarm throw at the bowling end, but misses his shy, allowing Nicholls to slide his bat in to get home.

Hits the length hard, outside off, Nicholls lets it through.

In-between length, in the channel of the off stump, Henry makes a watchful leave.

Full and swinging on the pads, Henry flicks it to short mid-wicket.

A smidge full on the stumps, Mitchell walks forward and tucks it to mid on. Screams 'NOOOO' and retreats back into the crease.

Welcomes the new batter with a sharp bouncer, Mitchell, who fancies coming down the track early on, watches it closely and ducks under it.

Daryl Mitchell makes his way out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Fantastic delivery by Auqib Nabi, and he gets the reward. He has two to his name already, as both the Kiwi openers are in the dugout now. This is angled in on a back of a length, around the off stump. Young looks to play it close to his body but ends up fiddling at the ball. It moves away slightly to take the outside edge. KL Rahul's body weight is on the left leg, but he does well to adjust and dive to his right. He goes for the catch with both hands, and the ball ends up sticking in his right mitt. New Zealand are 11/2.

Lovely comeback! A teasing back-of-a-length delivery on the fifth stump, inviting the cut. Young takes the bait, reaches away from his body, and gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

FOUR! Helped away! First loose ball so far. On the pads, a half-volley. Easy pickings for Young as he whips it off the pads to the left of Arshdeep Singh at deep fine leg for a boundary.

Full and outside off, Young drives it to cover-point.

A big shout for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. Impact looked to be outside off and there's a bit of bounce too, so the tourists do not risk taking the review. Good length outside off, nipping back in sharply. Nicholls comes half-forward to defend but is beaten on the inside edge and is hit on the front pad. Ball Tracking later shows that the ball is indeed missing the middle stump on height.

Loose, very loose by Nicholls! Hits the deck hard, wide outside off, Nicholls goes chasing the wide delivery and looks to cut it square, but the ball keeps leaving him and bounces over his angled bat.

Back of a length, around off, 133 kph, Nicholls taps it off the back foot. It goes on the bounce to Axar at backward point.

Fuller than a length, on the fourth stump, Young walks a couple of steps forward and strokes it towards Gill at mid off and steals a quick single.

A wee bit fuller, outside off, Young carefully defends it to the off side.

Good-length delivery, nipping away, Young chops it to cover-point.

Nips in off the pitch. Nicholls tries to work it on the leg side but gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball strikes high on the front pad.

Attacks the pads with a full delivery, Henry misses the flick and is hit on the front pad.

Back of a length, angling across, Nicholls knocks it to short cover.

Fuller than a length, on middle, Nicholls hangs back and tucks it wide of square leg. They run the first one hard as Dhir slides to field it, but his knee gets plugged in the outfield and the ball gets parried away. They sneak in the second run as well.

Similar line and length. It lands on the seam and nibbles away, outside off, on a length, Nicholls opts to leave it alone.

Angles it outside off and it nips further away, Nicholls shoulders arms.

Length-delivery, slanting across the batter, and hitting high on the bat. Young punches it to short cover.

Short of a length, with a little hint of inswing, Young lets the ball come at him, plays with soft hands and taps it to short cover.

The floodlights have just come on.

Pitched outside leg, 131 kph, Young rocks back and stabs it back to the bowler.

Back of a length, a bit too straight onto the pads, Nicholls gently tickles it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Nagging length on the bodyline, Nicholls hangs back and nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Seams in from middle, a touch full, Young whips it to deep backward square leg for a single to open his account.

New Zealand and Nicholls are finally off the mark! A fraction fuller on the leg stump, Nicholls steers it through square leg and they hustle back for the second run.

India strike early. Henry Nicholls walks in at number 3. With the match reduced to 47 overs per side, a maximum of two bowlers can bowl 10 overs each, while the remaining bowlers are allowed a maximum of 9 overs.

OUT! CAUGHT! Auqib is pumped up as he gets his maiden international wicket in his third outing. Landed on a length, around the middle and leg stump, Tim looks to nudge it around the corner, but the ball holds on the surface a touch and he ends up chipping it to mid on. The ball dips on Anshul Kamboj, but he does well to dive forward and scoop it cleanly above the turf. Seifert goes without troubling the scorers and New Zealand are 0/1.

In the channel, on a length, Seifert gently punches it to the cover fielder.

Hits the deck hard, on top of off and middle, Seifert stands still in the crease, defends with a closed bat face, gets a bit of an inside edge onto the right boot.

Wide of off, on a length, Seifert is happy to leave it.

Back of a length, not much swing on offer, just outside off, Seifert presses forward and punches it to short extra cover.

Considerable movement through the air in that first over for Arshdeep Singh. Auqib Nabi will take the other new ball, just as he did down in Auckland. He is starting with a couple of slips.

A maiden from Arshdeep to start! Hoops back in, fuller and on middle, Young gets a bit across and tucks it to the leg side.

Beats the bat again! Lands it in thereabouts of the off pole, and gets it to seam away off the pitch. Will pokes at it and gets beaten on the outside edge. Good areas so far by Singh.

Swinging in on a length, on off and middle, Young plays late and close to the body. Hops a bit to ride the bounce and dabs it to the first slip fielder.

Slightly back of a length, shaping in on off, Young hangs back to block but chops it off the inside edge and it deflects off the pads.

Beaten all ends up! This one swings the other way with a bit of extra bounce, around off, on a length. Young gets squared up, dangling his bat away from his body as the ball whistles past the outside edge.

Swing right away! Curves into the batter, full on the pads, Young taps it to the square leg region.

After an hour's delay, we are all set to get going. KL Rahul is putting on an extra layer over his jersey and has a bit of an alteration done to it by a member of the support staff, who makes a cut at the front for a better fit. Virat Kohli lends Rahul a hand in sorting out the sleeves. Kids have lined up near the ropes, holding the flags of both teams on either side. The match officials make their way out before Shubman Gill leads his men out onto the park. Will Young and Tim Seifert walk out to open the innings. Arshdeep Singh will begin the proceedings for India. Young to face the first ball with a slip in place. Here we go!

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh.

New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Will Young, Tim Seifert, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner.

The skipper of New Zealand - Mitchell Santner sarcastically says that it looks like a lovely day to bowl first and believes there is a bit in the pitch with the weather around. Adds that they will assess how it plays out, noting that the surface has been under covers. He also stresses the importance of getting through the tricky early period with the bat. On whether their training was washed out, Santner confirms that New Zealand trained in the indoor nets, which he says was useful. He adds that the weather also gave the players a chance to rest during a tight schedule. On facing India, Santner describes India as a great side, pointing to their performance at Eden Park. While acknowledging that winning the toss may help at some stage, he says New Zealand know the challenge ahead and have been playing good ODI cricket themselves. He is expecting another good game. Informs that they are going unchanged for this match.

The captain of India - Shubman Gill opts to bowl first, saying it is a no-brainer given the overcast conditions and the fact that the pitch has been under covers for the last couple of days. He says that although their practice session was washed out yesterday, they are not too concerned, having had a good outing in the first game. Shubman mentions that it is all about maintaining consistency and being able to replicate what they have been doing. If they can continue to do that, they will be in a good space. Informs that they are going with the same team as the last game.

TOSS - Okay, here we go. It's looking pretty bright at the moment, and let's hope that it stays like this for the rest of the day. Both captains - Mitchell Santner and Shubman Gill - are out in the middle and have exchanged team sheets. Simon Doull leads the proceedings. Santner gives it a flick. Tails is the call from Gill, and Tails never fails, quips Doull. It's a correct call again from Gill and - India have elected to BOWL first.

2.34 am GMT (8.04 am IST) - The Indian team gathered in a huddle just a few minutes ago, with a positive mood around the camp. Mohammed Siraj, meanwhile, was seen going through catching drills, making it likely that he will feature in the playing XI. We also have confirmation that this will be a 47-overs-per-side contest.

2.18 am GMT (7.48 am IST) - There it is. The toss is scheduled to take place at 2.35 am GMT (8.05 am IST) and the first ball will be bowled at 3 am GMT (8.30 am IST). We don't have news on any reduction in overs. But we shall have it soon, so stick around. The warm-ups are in full swing at the Hnry Stadium. Indian captain Shubman Gill takes a closer look at the pitch, perhaps checking the moisture, before heading back to put on his jersey. 

2.06 am GMT (7.36 am IST) - Only the pitch was covered with a big white sheet, but that is now being peeled off as we build up to the inspection, which is less than 10 minutes away. More positive signs, as the players from both camps have started to warm up.

Let's hear from the Indian bowling coach - Morne Morkel is pleased with how the boys adapted to the conditions in the first game. He feels they had to get going quickly and execute their plans. He explains that he works with each player individually, recognising their different skill sets and finding ways to get the best out of them. Morne also highlights the importance of clear communication within the group. He admits that India have not played their best white-ball cricket outside the country and sees this tour as an important opportunity to address that. He also touches upon the conditions today, expecting things to remain wet underfoot, which could pose a challenge for the boys. On Mohammed Shami's retirement, Morkel describes him as a highly skilled player and a quality person to have around. He calls it a sad day to see him go.

1.51 am GMT (7.21 am IST) - The rain seems to have eased, and the mop-up work has resumed. The match officials are out in the middle, assessing the conditions before having a chat with the ground staff. The latest word from the ground is that another inspection is scheduled for 2.15 am GMT (7.45 am IST).

Shami hangs up his whites - Mohammed Shami has called time on his Test career, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable journey in the longest format. He finishes with 229 wickets from 64 Tests, the sixth-most by an Indian pace bowler. A relentless competitor known for his pace, seam movement and ability to deliver in big moments, Shami's final appearance in whites came in the 2023 World Test Championship final.

1.38 am GMT (7.08 am IST) - Ugh! The spark of hope has disappeared as the sun keeps playing hide-and-seek. It's raining again in Wellington, but it is more of a spray of rain rather than a proper downpour. The umpires were out in the middle for an inspection but had to head back again. Unfortunately, it's going to be a delayed start. But let's hope for the best.

1.26 am GMT (6.56 am IST) - A much more encouraging update. The sun is beginning to break through the clouds, and the match officials are out on the field speaking with the ground staff, with their umbrellas closed. Glancing at the skyline in the background, Ian Smith notes on air that the cloud cover has lifted, with the clouds sitting higher in the sky. And the official word is that an umpire's inspection is scheduled for 1.30 am GMT (7 am IST), which is in a couple of minutes from now. 

1.18 am GMT (6.48 am IST) - Some positive news, folks. We are hearing that it has stopped raining and has gotten a bit brighter as well. Live visuals show ground staff sweeping water off the covers, with mopping work in full swing. But the word from the broadcasters is that the toss has been officially delayed in Wellington. The Super Soppers are making their rounds around the outfield, towing a long rope behind them.

No... not again - Rain interrupted the first ODI, as you all know, but the weather in Wellington is also looking a little uncertain. According to a social media post by the BCCI, 'It is currently raining, with a possibility of a delayed start'. The pitch is under the covers right now, but let's hope the weather clears up soon.

History in Wellington - The Hnry Stadium hasn't exactly been a regular on the ODI circuit of late, with just a solitary game played here in the last seven years. That lone fixture came last year and offered little in the way of a batting feast, as England were bundled out for a rather underwhelming 222. New Zealand walked away with the win that day, which also happens to be their only victory in their last five ODIs at this venue. India, meanwhile, have a rather older memory to draw confidence from, having last featured here in 2019 and come away victorious. The visitors would certainly fancy repeating that dose of success, especially with a series lead to protect. Stay tuned as toss and team updates are up next very shortly.

Pace, places, selection puzzles - After taking plenty of flak in recent outings, the Indian bowling unit finally put together a far more cohesive effort. With Wellington likely to offer another inviting passage for the quicks, India may not need to tinker much with their four-seamer, one-spinner combination. With the troika of Arshdeep-Kamboj-Gurnoor putting in reassuring efforts, and with Mohammed Siraj now available for selection, Auqib Nabi will likely make way. The Blackcaps have enough depth at their disposal to move a few pieces around, and Matt Henry's clearance from concussion protocols is a timely boost after he missed the series opener. He could slot straight back into the XI, with one of the other quicks likely to be handed a breather as New Zealand look to keep their pace resources fresh and fit for a demanding summer ahead. The top order, meanwhile, has a few questions to answer after an underwhelming outing in the opener. With Nick Kelly now added to the squad, the hosts have another option to explore.

The show keeps going on - The much-anticipated series may have stumbled out of the blocks, with rain playing spoiler in the opening encounter, but the bigger picture remains firmly in focus. With next year's World Cup preps in full swing, the auditions have officially begun. The combinations are up for test and places up for grabs, every outing carries its own significance. India have drawn first blood to take a 1-0 lead, albeit in a rain-truncated affair, and will be keen to build on that advantage. The Blackcaps, meanwhile, have unfinished business and will be looking for a more rounded performance to bring the series back on level terms. The setting now shifts from the north to the south, with Wellington's Hnry Stadium playing host to the second ODI. Can India tighten their grip, or will New Zealand hit back? Hello and welcome to our coverage!

... MATCH DAY ...

Chapter 2 of 5 - After a rain-soaked series opener in Auckland, the caravan now rolls into 'Windy Welly' for the second assignment as New Zealand and India clash at the Hnry Stadium in Wellington. The Men in Blue lead the five-match series 1-0 and will be looking to tighten their iron grip on the series, whereas New Zealand will be keen to bounce back and find an equaliser. It has been a mixed year in ODIs for both teams in 2026. New Zealand have won six and lost six so far, while India hold a slightly better record with eight wins and five defeats. But still, there are a lot of wrinkles to iron out. Series context - India began the series with a convincing five-wicket victory (DLS method) at Eden Park, Auckland, taking a 1-0 lead. New Zealand were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs after struggling against India's disciplined bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh led the way with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar picked up three and Anshul Kamboj claimed two. Virat Kohli then produced a magnificent 74 off 51 deliveries, including 13 boundaries and a six. Shubman Gill contributed 37 as India comfortably chased the revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs. The result puts India in a strong position, but New Zealand will take encouragement from Jacob Duffy's three-wicket haul and will be keen to produce a much-improved batting performance. Looking for a turnaround - New Zealand have plenty to think about after their disappointing batting display in the opening match. Their top order failed to establish a solid foundation, and the middle order was unable to build meaningful partnerships. Will Young and Henry Nicholls will be expected to provide a better start, while Tim Seifert's inclusion following Conway's injury gives the team another attacking option. Daryl Mitchell remains one of New Zealand's most important batting assets. His ability to handle pace and spin makes him a key figure in the middle order. Glenn Phillips can also change the complexion of an innings with his aggressive stroke play. Captain Mitchell Santner will be crucial with both bat and ball. His left-arm spin could prove particularly important against India's right-handed batting strength. The New Zealand bowling attack will look towards Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson and the other seamers to exploit Wellington's conditions and put India's top order under pressure. India on the front foot - India will be pleased with their all-round performance in Auckland. Their bowling attack successfully restricted New Zealand to a manageable total before Kohli and Gill took control of the chase. Shubman Gill will continue to lead India in the first three matches. He will be keen to make another significant contribution with the bat, while Rohit Sharma will be looking to bounce back after his early dismissal in the opening encounter. Virat Kohli is undoubtedly India's biggest batting attraction heading into this contest. His excellent form in the first ODI will give the visitors plenty of confidence. KL Rahul provides stability in the middle order, while Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel offer additional batting depth. India's bowling attack also looks well-balanced, with Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav and the promising young pace options available in the squad. Anshul Kamboj and Gurnoor Brar impressed in Auckland, demonstrating that India's bowling resources extend beyond their established international names. Wellington's distinctive conditions - The Hnry Stadium in Wellington is known for its distinctive playing conditions, with wind often influencing the game. The ground can offer assistance to fast bowlers, particularly when there is movement in the air and off the surface. The new-ball bowlers could enjoy some early assistance, making the opening powerplay an important phase for both teams. Batters who negotiate the initial movement should find opportunities to score freely. The relatively large playing area also means that running between the wickets and finding gaps will be important. A competitive first-innings total will depend on how effectively the batting side handles the new ball and builds partnerships through the middle overs. Team form (Last 5 completed ODIs, most recent first) - NZ - LLWWW | IND - WLWWL. Prediction time - India appear to have the advantage heading into the second ODI, having won the opening encounter with an impressive all-round display. Their batting lineup has considerable experience, while the bowling attack demonstrated its ability to exploit New Zealand's weaknesses. New Zealand, however, are a dangerous side at home. They have enough quality in their batting and bowling departments to challenge India, particularly if their top order manages to build a substantial partnership. The absence of Devon Conway is an additional setback for the hosts, but the likes of Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham have the experience to compensate. The second ODI promises an intriguing contest between India's experienced batting lineup and New Zealand's homegrown pace attack. Kohli's form, India's rising pacers and the hosts' response to their opening defeat are likely to shape the outcome of this encounter.