IND vs NZ : Harshit Rana castles Devon Conway with an absolute jaffa in 2nd ODI at Rajkot

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The second ODI between India and New Zealand at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on January 14, 2026, witnessed a moment of pure fast-bowling artistry. As India sought to defend a competitive total, young pace sensation Harshit Rana delivered the standout moment of the evening, producing an absolute jaffa to dismiss the dangerous Devon Conway. The dismissal set the tone for a disciplined Indian bowling performance that kept the Black Caps under immense pressure during the initial stages of the chase.

Chasing a target of 285, New Zealand required a steady start, but Rana had other plans. In the 6th over of the innings (5.2 overs), Rana produced a delivery that will likely be replayed for years. Charging in with intent, the Delhi speedster unleashed a 137-kmph length ball that angled in sharply toward the middle stump.

Conway, usually so composed at the crease, was caught in two minds. Expecting the ball to hold its line, the left-hander committed too early to a defensive prod toward mid-off. However, the ball nipped back off the surface, beat the inside edge, flicked the pad, and crashed into the off-stump, sending it cartwheeling.

The celebration was as fiery as the delivery; Rana immediately pointed toward his captain, Shubman Gill, before charging across the pitch in a jubilant sprint. Conway departed for 16 off 21 balls, leaving New Zealand reeling at 22/1 and giving India the early breakthrough they desperately craved.

Off stump out of the ground 🔥🔥

Harshit Rana gets the opening wicket in fine fashion! ⚡️

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— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2026

Also WATCH: KL Rahul celebrates memorable Rajkot ODI century with a special gesture for his daughter

Following Conway’s departure, the Indian bowling unit, led by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, maintained a stranglehold on the scoring rate. India had earlier posted 284/7, powered by a magnificent, unbeaten 112 from KL Rahul and a steady 56 from captain Gill. Despite Kristian Clarke’s impressive 3/56 for the visitors, India’s total felt substantial on the Rajkot surface.

The Men in Blue translated that batting momentum into their bowling. Siraj was metronomic, conceding only 16 runs in his opening five overs. The pressure eventually told at the other end when Prasidh Krishna joined the party, cleaning up Henry Nicholls for 10 in the 13th over. By the time the players headed for drinks at the 15-over mark, New Zealand reached 64/2, requiring a further 221 runs at a daunting required rate of 6.31.

While Will Young and Daryl Mitchell attempted to rebuild, the story of the first session remained Rana’s opening burst. His ability to find movement at pace has sparked conversations about his role in India’s long-term white-ball plans. With 35 overs remaining and the required rate climbing, the match remains a tactical battle between New Zealand’s resilience and India’s relentless pace battery.

Also READ: Fans go wild as KL Rahul lights up Rajkot with splendid hundred in 2nd ODI against New Zealand