India vs New Zealand: Who Wins If Rain Ends 2nd ODI?

The India vs New Zealand second ODI has taken the drama to another level. India should have completed this chase comfortably, but mistakes from their batters have turned it into a tense contest. With 22 runs needed and only three wickets remaining, the match could still go either way.

India were 113/7 after 26 overs while chasing 135 when rain stopped play in Wellington. With the surface helping the fast bowlers, even that small remaining target looked challenging. KL Rahul was unbeaten on 26, carrying India’s hopes as the last recognised batter.

The interruption has left fans asking one question: who wins if no more play is possible?

If no further play is possible from this rain-break position, India would win by 4 runs under the DLS method.

India have already completed 26 overs, passing the minimum requirement of 20 overs in the second innings for a rain-affected ODI result. The match would therefore not become a no-result simply because rain prevents further play.

When a chase ends prematurely, the batting team’s total is compared with the DLS par score at the moment of the interruption. India’s reported four-run lead at 113/7 puts that par score at 109.

That would be a fortunate escape for India from a position where victory on the field was far from secure. New Zealand still had a realistic chance of taking the final three wickets before India reached 135.

Revised target for India

if 12 overs lost: 132 from 35 overs (19 runs in 9 overs)

if 17 overs lost: 125 from 30 overs (12 runs in 4 overs)

India’s current DLS advantage is not permanent. If play resumes, the equation will change with the runs scored, deliveries faced and wickets lost.

Another quick wicket, followed immediately by rain, could put India in trouble. Losing a wicket reduces the batting resources available and can raise the DLS par score at the same stage of the chase.

Rahul has looked the most comfortable Indian batter on this surface. Kohli also appeared comfortable briefly, but a poor shot ended his stay. Rahul, meanwhile, has handled New Zealand’s pace attack with greater control.

If the match resumes, India’s best chance would be for Rahul to face most of the bowling and guide the chase. With only 22 runs required, a composed finish from him could still settle the contest.

The danger lies at the other end. If New Zealand’s fast bowlers get an extended opportunity against the lower order, they could turn this narrow opening into a remarkable win.

Rain has currently left India ahead under DLS, but a restart would put the outcome back in the hands of Rahul and the remaining batters.

India bowled New Zealand out for 134 in 41 overs, with Gurnoor Brar leading the attack through his figures of 4/30. Auqib Nabi, Anshul Kamboj and Axar Patel took two wickets each. Daryl Mitchell made 55, while Mitchell Santner contributed 31.

The chase proved much harder than expected. India lost seven wickets before rain interrupted play at 113/7 after 26 overs. Rahul remained unbeaten on 26, with India needing another 22 runs to reach the original target. At that interruption, the reported DLS position had India four runs ahead.