Ind vs NZ, 1st ODI: Bracewell’s Ton Went in Vain as NZ Lost by 12 Runs

Ind vs NZ, 1^st ODI: Bracewell’s Ton Went in Vain as NZ Lost by 12 Runs In the first ODI of India vs New Zealand, Shubman Gill maintained his excellent form and hit his first double century in the format, leading India to a commanding 349 for eight over New Zealand. When Gill decided to bat, he smashed his way to 208 off 149 balls with the help of 19 boundaries and 9 sixes, ensuring India would reach a high total. Before exploding, Gill and captain Rohit Sharma (34), who was the first wicket, exchanged 60 runs. For the guests, Daryl Mitchell (2/30) and Henry Shipley (2/74) each claimed two wickets. In the run chase, New Zealand had a very sluggish start as they scored only 42 off 10 overs and lost 1 wicket. Hardik Pandya was quite expensive today from the very start as Allen punished him with 20 runs off the over, hitting 3 fours and a six in the 11^th over. Kuldeep Yadav and Shardul Thakur impressed a lot today as the duo put pressure on the batters by restricting runs. As a virtue of that, New Zealand were 112-5 in 25 overs. However, Bracewell showed courage today and made Indian bowlers sweat as he went on to score his century. It’s the second fastest century by a foreigner in India and the third fastest by any New Zealander. Bracewell and Santner’s 7^th wicket partnership helped NZ come back to the game and changed the equation. After 42 overs, NZ needed 76 off 42 balls. However, Siraj broke the partnership by dismissing Santner at 57 off 45. Soon, Shipley was removed by Siraj at 0 (1). Lockiew Ferguson was also holed out by Hardik and this gave India some relief. However, the danger was still batting with a 100+ score. Shardul was asked to bowl the last over when NZ needed 20 off 6 balls. Bracewell welcomed Shardul with a six and then he bowled a wide. When the pressure came on Shardul, he had Bracewell plumb LBW and one of the finest innings in the cricket history came to an end as Bracewell left the crease with 140 off 78. Thakur handed over India the win of 12 runs. What a match to watch. This game shouldn't have come this close. No, not until NZ was reduced to 131/6 in the 28th over. A chunk of the crowd even started to disperse as a surrender appeared to be unavoidable. For more cricket updates, stay tuned with us!