India pacer Harshit Rana produced a spirited but expensive bowling effort in the third and deciding ODI against New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, finishing with figures of 3 for 84 in 10 overs as the visitors posted a commanding 337 for 8 in their 50 overs. While Rana’s three wickets highlighted his ability to strike key blows with the ball, the high number of runs conceded reflected the challenging conditions and the dominance of the Kiwi batting pair in a record partnership.
Early breakthroughs for India
India elected to bowl first in the series decider, and Rana made early inroads when he dismissed Devon Conway in the second over, after Arshdeep Singh had given India the first breakthrough by dismissing Henry Nicholls in the opening over of the match.
Glorious recovery by New Zealand
Despite the early setbacks, New Zealand batted back into the match through a scintillating 219-run fourth-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106). The duo steadied the innings after 58 for 3 and took complete control, punishing anything short or loose. Their centuries ensured New Zealand posted a formidable total of 337 for 8, leaving India with a challenging target to chase in the series decider.
Rana’s role and figures
Rana finished with 3 wickets for 84 runs, his best showing in the match alongside Arshdeep Singh, who also claimed three scalps. Rana’s victims included Conway, Will Young (30), and Kristian Clarke (11), each dismissal providing India with a breakthrough at different stages of the innings. The pace bowler found rhythm early but was punished through the middle overs as the Kiwi batters shifted gears.
Learning curve for the youngster
Across the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, Harshit Rana showed flashes of promise but also experienced the learning curve that comes with bowling in high-scoring conditions. The young pacer finished the series with six wickets, consistently providing India with early breakthroughs. He now has 26 wickets in 14 ODIs for Team India.
Overall, the series offered Rana valuable exposure at the international level and underlined his potential as a strike bowler, while also pointing to areas for refinement as he continues to develop in ODI cricket.
