Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma make history as India's bowlers steal the show against New Zealand

India might not have produced a memorable batting performance in Wellington, but the second ODI against New Zealand on Saturday, 7 November, will still be remembered for two significant milestones. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma added new records to their already remarkable ODI careers, even as India's batting line-up struggled to find its rhythm.

The more interesting part? Neither batter needed a big score to make history.

India defeated New Zealand by four runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method at Hnry Stadium, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series. However, the victory was built on India's bowling discipline and some crucial contributions from the middle order.

Kohli moves past Ricky Ponting

Virat Kohli entered the second ODI knowing that he was on the verge of a significant achievement. The former India captain was level with Australian great Ricky Ponting on 1,971 runs as the highest run-scorer against New Zealand in men's ODI cricket.

He needed just one run to move ahead.

Kohli achieved the milestone with a boundary, taking his tally beyond Ponting's long-standing record. He eventually departed for seven runs off seven deliveries, but the brief innings was enough to make him the highest run-scorer against New Zealand in ODI history.

His tally now stands at 1,975 runs against the Black Caps, putting him ahead of Ponting (1,971) and Sachin Tendulkar (1,750).

Kohli's latest milestone is another reminder that his influence in ODI cricket cannot always be measured by the runs he scores in a particular innings. Sometimes, even a seven-run contribution can carry historical significance.

Rohit Sharma breaks Shahid Afridi's record

Rohit Sharma had a different record waiting for him.

The Indian opener needed two sixes to surpass former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi's tally of 50 sixes against New Zealand in men's ODIs.

He did exactly that.

Rohit scored 23 off 28 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes. Both maximums came against New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson.

With those two sixes, Rohit took his tally to 51, becoming the batter with the most sixes against New Zealand in ODI cricket. Afridi now occupies second place with 50, followed by West Indies legend Chris Gayle with 45.

The achievement adds to Rohit's reputation as one of the most destructive six-hitters in the history of the format.

He already holds the record for the most sixes in men's ODI cricket, with 383 maximums. He is also the only batter to have scored three double-centuries in the format.

Although his innings ended earlier than India would have wanted, the record made it another memorable appearance for the Indian opener.

India's batting struggles, but the bowlers deliver

While the two senior batters made headlines, India's batting performance was far from convincing.

New Zealand had been bowled out for 134 in 41 overs after India elected to bowl first in the rain-affected contest, which had been reduced to 47 overs per side.

India's response began poorly. Shubman Gill departed for a golden duck, followed by Kohli, who managed just seven runs. Rohit offered some resistance before being dismissed for 23.

India soon found itself struggling at 47/4, with New Zealand's pace attack making full use of the conditions.

Shreyas Iyer contributed 30, while KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 26. Naman Dhir also added 12 runs. These contributions helped India remain in the contest despite losing regular wickets.

India reached 113/7 in 26 overs when rain forced an interruption. Under the DLS method, India's par score at that stage was 109. Having scored 113, India were four runs ahead when play was abandoned.

That was enough to secure the victory without completing the chase.

Gurnoor Brar emerges as the difference-maker

The biggest individual performance of the match came from young Indian pacer Gurnoor Brar.

He returned figures of 4/30 in his 10 overs, delivering the most decisive bowling performance of the contest.

Brar dismissed Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips in a double-wicket maiden, putting New Zealand under further pressure. His ability to use the extra bounce on offer proved particularly effective.

Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj picked up two wickets apiece, while Axar Patel also claimed two scalps.

New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 55 off 104 deliveries, while captain Mitchell Santner contributed 31. Their 59-run partnership for the sixth wicket briefly offered the hosts some stability, but India's bowlers prevented them from building a substantial total.

Brar was subsequently named Player of the Match.

More than just two individual records

There is an interesting contrast in this match. India's two most experienced batters made history without producing substantial scores, while its bowling attack did the difficult work of putting the opposition under pressure.

Kohli's record reflects his consistency against one particular opponent. Rohit's milestone highlights his ability to dominate through six-hitting, a defining feature of his ODI career.

But the match also offered something important for India beyond individual achievements: a glimpse of the depth in its bowling resources.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, performances from emerging players such as Brar and Kamboj will be important for India's preparations.

The series is not over, and New Zealand will have opportunities to respond. India, meanwhile, will want greater stability from its batting order in the remaining matches.

Saturday's contest may not have produced a batting spectacle, but it delivered records, an impressive bowling display and another Indian victory.

Sometimes, cricket history is not written through a century or a spectacular chase. In Wellington, it was written through a boundary, two sixes and a four-wicket haul.