New Zealand batting assessment: Early stability and Mitchell’s 84 define ODI opener

Solid half-centuries from Conway and Nicholls set the base before Daryl Mitchell’s lone fight lifted New Zealand to a competitive 300 against India in the first ODI at Baroda.

New Zealand’s batters delivered a composed and well-planned performance in the first One Day International against India at Baroda, posting a strong total of 300 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, the visitors handled the Indian bowling attack with confidence and patience.

Openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls gave New Zealand exactly the start they needed. The duo looked comfortable from the beginning, rotating the strike well and punishing loose deliveries. Both batters reached their half-centuries and stitched together a crucial 117-run opening partnership off 130 balls, putting early pressure on the Indian bowlers.

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The breakthrough for India came through young pacer Harshit Rana, who ended the opening stand. Nicholls was dismissed for 62, while Conway departed soon after for 56, both falling to Rana. Despite the double blow, New Zealand remained steady for a brief period.

However, wickets started falling in the middle overs. Will Young and Glenn Phillips could manage only 12 runs each before returning to the pavilion. Mitchell Hay chipped in with 18 runs, while skipper Michael Bracewell was run out for 16. Zak Foulkes failed to make an impact and was dismissed cheaply.

With the innings losing momentum, Daryl Mitchell stood firm at one end. Playing a responsible yet aggressive knock, Mitchell took on the Indian attack, finding boundaries and clearing the ropes when needed. His knock of 84 runs came off 71 balls and included five fours and three sixes. Mitchell’s resistance ensured New Zealand crossed the 300-run mark before he was finally dismissed by Prasidh Krishna.

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India’s pace attack shared the wickets evenly. Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets each, but the bowlers could not prevent New Zealand from reaching a challenging total.