Gill’s double ton helps India survive Bracewell blitz

Shubman Gill

HYDERABAD, AFP: Shubman Gill scored a brilliant 208 as India held on to beat New Zealand by 12 runs in the first one-day international in Hyderabad on Wednesday despite a blistering century from Michael Bracewell.

India looked to be coasting to victory with New Zealand in deep trouble at 131-6 while chasing 350 after opener Gill made just the 10th double hundred in ODI history. The 23-year-old Gill’s innings spanned 149 balls and featured 19 fours and nine sixes.

“Watching Gill bat is fantastic, clean striking and no aerial shots. He’s such a free-flowing batsman,” said India Captain Rohit Sharma.

All-rounder Bracewell responded by making 140 off 78 balls before falling in the final over when he was pinned leg before wicket by Shardul Thakur.

Disciplined early spells by India fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj restricted New Zealand before Bracewell’s late fireworks gave them hope of a sensational win.

Brief scores from the first one-day international between India and New Zealand in Hyderabad on Wednesday: India 349-8 in 50 overs (S. Gill 208, S. Yadav 31) New Zealand 337 all out in 49.2 overs (M. Bracewell 140, M. Santner 57; M. Siraj 4-46) Toss: India Result: India won by 12 runs