India Beats New Zealand by Four Runs in Rain-Interrupted Wellington ODI

India extended its lead in the five-match one-day international series against New Zealand to 2–0 with a four-run victory in Wellington on November 7, secured via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after rain halted play.

New Zealand batted first after India won the toss on a pitch that had been covered for two days. The home side was restricted to 134 runs in 41 overs, with only Daryl Mitchell (55) and captain Mitchell Santner (31) reaching significant totals. Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar took career-best ODI figures of 4–30, supported by Auqib Nabi's 2–31 and two-wicket contributions from Axar Patel and Anshul Kamboj. The match had been reduced to 47 overs per side due to rain and wet outfield conditions.

India's chase proved troubled from the outset. Captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for a golden duck in the second over, and Virat Kohli scored just 7 runs, though this gave Kohli a record as the leading run-scorer against New Zealand in ODI cricket. New Zealand's seam bowlers Kyle Jamieson (3–35) and Jacob Duffy (3–35) exploited difficult conditions; India was 47–4 early and later 86–5 after losing consecutive wickets. Shreyas Iyer made 30, Rohit Sharma 23, and K.L. Rahul was 26 not out when play ended. India stood at 113–7 after 26 overs when rain brought the match to a close, leaving the team four runs ahead of the DLS par score of 109.

Brar was named Player of the Match. In post-match comments, he credited the team's positive environment, guidance from bowling coach Morne Morkel on exploiting his height and natural strengths, and backing from senior players including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He also praised captain Gill for fostering a process-focused approach across the squad. Brar noted that New Zealand's pace and bounce suited his style after earlier difficult performances at domestic and international venues.

With one more win required to clinch the series, India and New Zealand will meet again on November 10 in Hamilton. The first ODI in Auckland on November 4 had also been affected by rain, with India winning by five wickets after New Zealand was bowled out for 185.