Wellington: Indian star batter KL Rahul won hearts off the field following India's victory in the second ODI against New Zealand at Wellington. After being awarded the Game Changer of the Match title, Rahul gifted the prize smartphone to a stadium official, leaving her deeply moved.

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Reflecting on the unexpected moment in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the lady official expressed her surprise and gratitude:

"Well, he just gave me his phone. I am a bit of shocked, it was very kind of them to give it over to me. I wasn't expecting it, that's for sure," she said.

The BCCI praised Rahul's generosity on X, posting:

"Big player. Bigger heart An act of kindness and pure ??????????."

India take 2-0 lead in series

On the field, India secured a tense four-run win via the DLS method in a rain-affected encounter on Saturday, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Pacer Gurnoor Brar delivered a standout performance, earning the Player of the Match award with career-best figures of 4/30. His spell restricted New Zealand to a modest 134 in 41 overs, with Daryl Mitchell top-scoring for the hosts with 55. Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj supported the attack with two wickets each.

In response, India encountered early trouble, slipping to 47/4 during the chase. Shreyas Iyer (30) and KL Rahul (26*) stabilised the innings before New Zealand struck back to leave India at 113/7. Rain subsequently stopped play, but India remained four runs ahead of the required DLS par score, handing them the victory.

The two teams will meet for the third ODI in Hamilton on November 10. India will aim to wrap up the series with an unassailable lead, while New Zealand will look to bounce back and stay alive in the five-match contest. (ANI)