IND vs NZ: Young fan invades pitch to embrace Rohit Sharma during 2nd ODI in Raipur

Team India dished out a clinical bowling performance in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series against New Zealand in Raipur. The visitors were bundled out for a paltry score of 108 runs and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma led the charge with the bat in the second innings. While the Kiwi bowlers faced the wrath of the opener, a young spectator ran onto the pitch to embrace the Indian skipper.

Following a dominant performance by the Indian bowlers in the first innings, skipper Rohit Sharma was on the attack from the get-go. He took the attack to the opposition bowlers with some of his trademark pull shots during the powerplay. He was quite severe against the Kiwi pacers, dispatching Blair Tickner for a boundary and a six off consecutive deliveries in the tenth over.

However, before Tickner could bowl his fifth delivery of the over, a young fan made his way to the pitch and embraced the Indian skipper. A security guard was hot in pursuit of the fan, but Rohit advised him to take it easy as it was just a kid who wanted to feel his hero in the flesh.

A Rohit Sharma fan in Raipur invaded the pitch and gave him a hug 🤗🫂

📸: Disney + Hotstar pic.twitter.com/UpSw2Acsfz

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) January 21, 2023

Rohit and Gill provide another solid start to India

The Indian skipper went on to register a brisk half-century, his 48th in the 50-over format, bringing his side to the cusp of victory. His innings came to an abrupt halt after he was trapped plumb in front by Henry Shipley. The home side went on to complete a thumping victory as Rohit's opening partner Shubman Gill hit the winning runs, remaining unbeaten on 40 off 53 deliveries.

The win was set up by the Indian bowlers in the first innings, especially the seamers, who ran riot with the new ball. New Zealand were in all sorts of trouble after losing half their side in just the 11th over of the match. A late riposte from the Kiwi lower-order batters ensured that their team escaped the embarrassment of being bundled out before breaching the 100-run mark.

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