India defeated New Zealand in the opening ODI by 12 runs thanks to Shubman Gill’s magnificent double century. After 148 balls and 19 fours and nine sixes, Gill’s 208 runs helped India record a commanding total of 349-8, making him the youngest player to make a double century. In response, Michael Bracewell made 140 off 78 balls before being run out by Shardul Thakur leg before wicket in the penultimate over. Shardul made a remarkable comeback in the final over after getting smacked for a six in the first ball. He removed Bracewell from the game at the crucial wicket, nearly leading New Zealand to a historic victory.
Bracewell was good but not against Lord Shardul #INDvsNZ
Extraordinary inns by Bracewell pic.twitter.com/sLrpJNXsUP
— Divyanshu Rai (@i_am_divyanshu) January 18, 2023
With New Zealand in serious difficulty at 131-6 and chasing 350, India appeared to be coasting to win when opener Gill recorded just the 10th double hundred in ODI history. Before Bracewell’s late fireworks offered New Zealand hope of a thrilling victory, India’s fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj restrained them with disciplined early spells.
At the top of the order, Finn Allen scored a relaxed 40, but after Siraj dismissed Latham for the sixth wicket, New Zealand was in serious trouble. When left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner joined Bracewell, they shared a remarkable 162-run partnership while hitting 57 of 45 balls together. However, Siraj eventually broke their partnership. Despite hitting 12 fours and 10 sixes, Bracewell lost the match because Siraj, the best Indian bowler, had stats of 4-46. With the victory, India now leads the three-match series 1-0.