India continued their dominance over New Zealand, leaving the hosts staring at an unwanted piece of history after a four-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the second ODI in Wellington on Saturday. The defeat not only handed India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series but also took New Zealand’s tally of losses against India to 11 in 2026, their most defeats against a single opponent in a calendar year.
New Zealand register unwanted record against India
The defeat in Wellington marked New Zealand’s 11th loss against India in 2026, taking them past their previous record of 10 defeats against Australia in 2005. The Black Caps had also suffered nine defeats against England in 2008.Most defeats for New Zealand against an opponent in a calendar year:
- 11 vs India in 2026*
- 10 vs Australia in 2005
- 9 vs England in 2008
The successive defeats at home have added another worrying dimension to New Zealand’s campaign. Their previous instance of losing back-to-back home ODIs came in January 2019, also against India. The similarities do not end there. New Zealand’s last bilateral series defeat at home also came against India in 2019.
India’s pace attack dismantles New Zealand for 134
India’s fast bowlers dominated the first innings, bowling New Zealand out for 134 in 41 overs. Auqib Nabi struck twice, including his maiden international wicket, while Gurnoor Brar removed Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips in a double-wicket maiden to leave the hosts reeling at 53/3.Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 55 off 104 balls, while Mitchell Santner contributed 31 as the pair added 59 runs for the sixth wicket. Brar finished with 4/30, while Nabi, Anshul Kamboj and Axar Patel picked up two wickets each.
Duffy, Jamieson make India fight for victory
New Zealand fought back with the ball as Jacob Duffy dismissed Shubman Gill for a golden duck and Virat Kohli early in the chase. Kyle Jamieson further troubled India, reducing them to 47/4.Shreyas Iyer (30 off 46) and KL Rahul (26* off 38) attempted to rebuild the innings, but India slipped to 113/7 before rain interrupted play. With the visitors ahead on the DLS par score, India secured a four-run victory.
New Zealand staring at series defeat
The loss leaves New Zealand trailing 0-2 in the five-match series, with the hosts needing a turnaround in Hamilton to keep their hopes alive.
