India all-rounder Harshit Rana played a gutsy innings during the third and deciding ODI against New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, showing his batting ability under pressure as India chased a challenging target. While the visitors went on to win the match and the series, Rana’s contribution with the bat, highlighted by a massive six off Glenn Phillips, stood out as part of a resilient lower-order effort alongside Virat Kohli.
India’s position and Rana’s entry
India were facing a steep chase of 338, set by New Zealand after centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, which helped the visitors post 337 for 8. Early in the chase, India lost key batters, putting pressure on the middle and lower order. Harshit Rana walked to the crease after a series of wickets fell, joining Kohli in an attempt to steady India’s innings and build a competitive total.
Rana’s fightback and massive six
Rana displayed confidence in his approach, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. During his fighting innings, he struck a towering six off spinner Glenn Phillips, sending the ball over the boundary and energising the Indian chase. That big hit came at a moment when momentum seemed tilted strongly in New Zealand’s favour, and it helped keep India in the hunt alongside Kohli’s heroic knock.
His contribution went beyond the big shot, with Rana showing a range of strokes and patience during his 52 off 43. While Kohli anchored the chase with a brilliant century, Rana’s lower-order resistance added valuable runs and demonstrated his ability to contribute with the bat when the team needed it most.
Partnership with Kohli
The partnership between Rana and Kohli provided India with a spark in the latter stages of the chase. Rana supported the veteran batter well, taking calculated risks and finding runs when possible. India ultimately finished on 296 all out in 46 overs, falling 41 runs short of the target, but Rana’s knock was widely appreciated for its intent and courage under pressure.
A promising all-round display
Rana’s innings in Indore highlighted his value as a genuine all-round contributor for India. Primarily known for his bowling, he has shown throughout his career that he can deliver useful runs down the order. His performance in this match, a half-century & 3 wickets, reflects his growth as a lower-order batter capable of shifting momentum in challenging situations.
As India prepare for upcoming T20I series and the T20 World Cup, Rana’s batting efforts will be remembered as an example of resilience and adaptability, even in matches where the result ultimately went against the hosts.
