India beat New Zealand by six wickets in a must-win game and level the three-match series 1-1 in Pune on Wednesday.
Paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/45) led an inspired Indian bowling effort to restrict New Zealand to a modest 230 for nine. Later, Shikhar Dhwawan (68 off 84 balls) and Dinesh Karthik (64 not out off 92) struck timely half-centuries, enabling the hosts to complete the chase in 46 overs.
Dhawan was back to his best. He played shots all around the ground en route to his 22nd ODI fifty. His sublime innings comprised five fours and couple of sixes including the one he hit over mid-wicket.
The southpaw shared a 57-run stand with Virat Kohli (29) before adding 66 runs with Karthik, who too played a valuable knock.
Karthik, playing at number four after coming in at five in the previous game, grabbed the opportunity with a ninth ODI fifty.
After Dhawan’s departure, Karthik and Hardik Pandya (30) forged a 59-run stand to secure the game for their team.
Earlier, Kumar produced a fine swing bowling display while his pace colleague Jasprit Bumrah (2/38)) and young leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (2/36) picked up two wickets apiece as Indian bowlers came out determined after being asked to bowl.
NZ 230/9 (50.0 Ovs)
IND 232/4 (46.0 Ovs)
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