3 instances when India's middle order won the match in 2018-19

#1. India vs New Zealand, 2019 (Wellington)

New Zealand v India - ODI Game 5. India clinched the ODI series 4-1

The biggest test for the Indian middle order came in Wellington vs New Zealand. Although it was a dead rubber, it was crucial going into the World Cup. Virat Kohli was rested for the last two ODIs and India were coming after an embarrassing loss at Hamilton in the 4th ODI where the team got bundled out for 92 on a lively wicket.

The blackcaps, having found India's weakness in the 4th ODI, went in for a green top once again. The plan seemed to work for the Kiwis as India were left reeling at 18-4. Matt Henry and Trent Boult ran through the Indian top order with a perfect exhibition of swing bowling. This brought Ambati Rayudu and Vijay Shankar to the crease. The duo went in with a carefully crafted plan to bat out the 50 overs and give the bowlers something to ball at.

They partnered each other for 98 runs before Shankar got run out. Jadhav chipped in with 34 before Hardik Pandya's mad rush (45 off 22) meant India crossing the 250 mark with Rayudu scoring a composed 90 off 113 balls.

Indian bowlers got wickets at crucial times bowling the Kiwis out for 217. Chahal was the pick of the bowlers sending three Kiwi batsmen back to the pavilion, conceding just 41. With this India wrapped up the series 4-1.

Brief scores

India (252 all out in 49.5 overs, Rayudu 90, Pandya 45, Shankar 45, Henry 4-35, Boult 3-39) beat New Zealand (217 all out, Neesham 44, Williamson 39, Chahal 3-41, Shami 2-35) by 35 runs.