Rohit Sharma-led India outclassed New Zealand in the second ODI to take an unassailable lead in the three-ODI series at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur on January 21. The bruised and battered Indian bowling lineup feasted on Kiwis on a spicy wicket as they bundled the visitors out for 108 and then won the game by eight wickets with 179 balls to spare. With the victory, the Men in Blue took an assailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series and registered their seventh consecutive bilateral series win against the Black Caps at home.
It was a low-scoring game but 50,000 fans at the stadium made it a spectacle. Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium became the 50th venue in India to host an ODI game and the buoyant crown made the debut even more spectacular. When the lights took charge of the game after the sunset, the fans made their presence felt to a degree that mesmerised former New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott.
"5th largest cricket stadium in the world and at capacity with the mobile lights on. What a sight, Raipur," Elliot said in a Tweet and shared a magnificent video showcasing electrifying scenes inside the stadium.
Watch the video here:
Captain Rohit Sharma struck another half-century and looked at his ominous best in pursuit of a lowly target. The Hitman was dismissed after scoring 51 runs, a knock that included seven fours and two sixes.
The Men in Blue will now lock horns against the Kiwis in a dead-rubber third ODI on January 24 (Tuesday) at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.Â
