Xtra Time Web Desk: A superb hundred BlackCaps batter Michael Bracewell (140 off 78) went in vain as India won the 1st ODI by 12 runs. Shubman Gill smashed his maiden double century (208) to power India to 349/8. Mohammed Siraj claimed four-wickets (4/46) for the hosts. But from 131/6, Bracewell partnered with Mitchell Santner (57 off 45) to add 162-run for 7th wicket to keep the Kiwis in the hunt. While other Indian bowlers flopped, Bracewell smashed a brilliant 140 off 78. But India managed to survive Bracewell scare as they restricted NZ to 337 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three match ODI series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad.
Earlier, Shubman Gill scored a superb knock of 208 runs off 149 balls to power India to 349 for eight. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s 34 off 38 was the second best score of the innings, highlighting that it was very much a one-man show. Gill smashed 19 fours and 9 sixes in his breathtaking knock. He reached his double century by hitting three consecutive sixes. Suryakumar too chipped in with 31 off 26 balls. Virat Kohli failed to get going as he was bowled by Santner for 8 runs.
Gill held fort at the other end as he shared a 74-run stand with Hardik Pandya (28) who got out in a rather bizarre fashion. Gill reached his 150 with a six over deep mid-wicket off Bracewell. He cut loose towards the end as he reached 200 with three huge sixes off Lockie Ferguson in the 49th over. He was finally dismissed by Shipley caught by Glenn Philips for 208 runs.
Both sides will next travel to Raipur for the second ODI.