India beat New Zealand by 12 runs in their first ODI in Hyderabad. The win was built on a brilliant double century by opener Shubman Gill, although the final margin of victory was a lot closer than it looked like it was going to be at one stage.
A seventh wicket partnership of 162 looked like it might yet help the Kiwis pull off a shock win. And Doug Bracewell, who made 140, affirmed his status as a rising all-rounder.
Team News
India were forced into a late change when Shreyas Iyer was forced out of the ODI series after suffering a back injury. He has returned to the NCA facilities in Bengaluru for more treatment.
Ishan Kishan was recalled in his place, with the Indian selectors decided not to give KS Bharat his international debut just yet. Washington Sundar was also preferred to Shahbaz Ahmed.
In the absence of both Kane Williamson and Tim Southee, Tom Latham captained the New Zealanders. Henry Shipley was given his chance with Southee not playing.
Match recap
India won the toss and chose to bat first, looking to make the best of the conditions.
Rohit Sharma and Gill gave them a good platform, putting on 60 for the first wicket, before Rohit was the first to go out for 34.
Both Virat Kohli and Kishan were dismissed cheaply and it was left to Gill to maintain the momentum with both Suryakumar Yadav who made 31, and Hardik Pandya who scored 28, offering support.
But the innings was all about Gill, who reached his half century and gradually began to accelerate.
He came close to carrying his bat, eventually falling in the last over for 208. He faced 149 balls and hit 9 sixes and 19 fours. Largely thanks to his efforts, India closed their innings on 349/8.
Daryl Mitchell was the best of the New Zealand bowlers with 2 – 30. Shipley also took 2 wickets but they cost his side 77 runs.
New Zealand’s hopes of chasing the score down appeared over, as they slumped to 131/6 in the 29th over with Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav both among the wickets again.
However, those expecting an early finish to the match were surprised when Bracewell and Mitchell Santner came together and began a stand that briefly threatened to lead to a surprise result.
Bracewell was the more aggressive, but Santner more than played his part until he was eventually caught off the bowling of Siraj for 57.
Although he was running out of partners, Bracewell continued his one man assault on the Indian bowlers and he took the game to the final over before he was the last man out.
He made 140 off only 78 balls and struck 10 sixes and 12 fours. His side were all out in the end for 337.
Siraj was the most successful of the Indian bowlers with 4 -46, whilst Yadav and Shardul Thakur each ended with two wickets to their name.
Gill makes history
Gill made his maiden double century off just 145 balls. In the process, he became not only the fifth Indian cricketer to achieve the feat, but also the youngest.
The record had previously been held by Ishan Kishan, who set the benchmark in the third ODI against Bangladesh last month, but Gill has now taken that away from him.
This was a coming of age performance from the 23-year old. It was his third ODI century – and his second in succession after his 116 against Sri Lanka – and it further cements his place in India’s World Cup squad.
Bracewell heroics in vain
He may have finished on the losing side, but Michael Bracewell emerged from the match with a great deal of credit.
Whilst he was tidy enough with the ball, without having much success, it was his batting that caught the eye, sharing a partnership of 162 for the seventh wicket that briefly suggested that an unlikely win for their side was still possible.
Having made his first ODI century against Ireland last July, this was his second and the more impressive given the quality of the opposition.
The latest in the long line of international cricketers from the same family, he confirmed his status as of the rising stars of New Zealand cricket.
What happens next?
The two teams now head to Raipur for the second ODI on Saturday.’
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