When New Zealand lost their first two wickets for just five runs in the third ODI against India, panic could’ve easily set in. But not with Daryl Mitchell at the crease. Walking in under immense pressure, the Kiwi batter played a textbook rescue act—scoring a calm 45 off 50 balls to rebuild the innings and guide his side past 90. More than just a score, this knock was another milestone in a quietly dominant run that has catapulted him into elite company.
Mitchell’s latest effort has now seen him **equal Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka** for the most 50-plus scores in men’s ODIs since January 2023. And who sits alone at the top? None other than India’s batting maestro, Virat Kohli. With this performance, Mitchell isn’t just making runs—he’s rewriting narratives and inching toward one of modern cricket’s most coveted consistency records.
Table of Contents
- The Pressure Innings That Made History
- Daryl Mitchell ODI Record: The Numbers Behind the Rise
- How He Compares to Babar Azam and Virat Kohli
- Why Consistency Matters in Modern ODIs
- What’s Next for Mitchell and New Zealand?
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Pressure Innings That Made History
Facing a fiery Indian new-ball attack on a tricky pitch, New Zealand’s top order crumbled instantly. At 5/2, the match looked all but over. But Mitchell, known for his temperament in crisis, walked in and immediately shifted gears—not with aggression, but with calculated control.
He rotated the strike, punished loose deliveries, and crucially, absorbed pressure without flinching. His 45 wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly what his team needed. It laid the foundation for a competitive total and showcased why he’s become New Zealand’s go-to batter in high-stakes situations. This knock also marked his latest entry into the “50+ club” since 2023—a stat that now places him among the world’s most reliable ODI batters.
Daryl Mitchell ODI Record: The Numbers Behind the Rise
Since the start of 2023, Daryl Mitchell has amassed an impressive number of half-centuries and centuries in ODI cricket. As of January 2026, he has recorded **14 scores of 50 or more** in just 32 innings—an average of one every 2.3 matches. This places him joint-third globally, tied with Babar Azam and Pathum Nissanka.
But the real story is who’s ahead of him:
- Virat Kohli (India): 16 scores of 50+ since 2023
- Daryl Mitchell (NZ), Babar Azam (PAK), Pathum Nissanka (SL): 14 each
What makes Mitchell’s feat even more remarkable is that he’s achieved this while often batting at No. 4 or 5—positions that demand adaptability rather than free-flowing stroke play from ball one. Unlike openers who get long stretches at the crease, middle-order batters like Mitchell must constantly adjust to match context, making his consistency all the more valuable.
How He Compares to Babar Azam and Virat Kohli
Comparing Mitchell to legends like Kohli and stars like Babar isn’t just about numbers—it’s about style and impact.
Babar Azam is a classical opener, known for his elegant cover drives and ability to anchor innings. His 14 fifty-plus scores come from the top of the order, where he sets the tone.
Virat Kohli, meanwhile, remains the gold standard for chasing under pressure. His 16 scores include multiple match-winning centuries in high-stakes games, including World Cup knockouts.
Mitchell, however, carves his own niche. He’s not the flashiest, but he’s arguably the most dependable in crisis. His strike rate hovers around 85–90, blending caution with timely acceleration—a perfect fit for New Zealand’s pragmatic approach. While he may not have Kohli’s aura or Babar’s grace, his reliability in the middle order is becoming just as vital to his team’s success.
Why Consistency Matters in Modern ODIs
In today’s fast-paced ODI landscape—where pitches vary wildly and bowling attacks are more diverse than ever—consistency is the ultimate differentiator. A single century can win a game, but a string of 40s, 50s, and 70s wins series.
Mitchell embodies this philosophy. His ability to repeatedly cross the 50-run threshold ensures New Zealand rarely collapses completely. This kind of stability is especially crucial heading into major tournaments like the 2027 ODI World Cup, where depth and resilience will be key.
According to ESPNcricinfo’s form index, batters with 10+ fifty-plus scores in a 24-month window are 3x more likely to be named Player of the Series in bilateral contests . Mitchell’s current trajectory puts him firmly in that category.
What’s Next for Mitchell and New Zealand?
With the India series concluded, New Zealand turns its focus to upcoming tours and ICC events. For Mitchell, the next goal is clear: overtake Babar and Nissanka, then chase down Kohli’s lead. Just two more 50+ scores would tie him with Kohli—and given his current form, that’s entirely plausible by mid-2026.
His role will only grow as New Zealand integrates younger players into the ODI setup. As a senior batter, Mitchell isn’t just scoring runs—he’s setting a standard. For fans wanting to track his progress, our [INTERNAL_LINK:new-zealand-cricket-future] offers deeper insights into the Black Caps’ rebuilding phase.
Conclusion
The Daryl Mitchell ODI record is more than a statistic—it’s a testament to quiet excellence in an era obsessed with fireworks. By equaling Babar Azam and closing in on Virat Kohli, Mitchell has proven that composure under pressure is just as valuable as explosive talent. As the cricket world watches Kohli’s legacy unfold, a new contender for consistency supremacy is rising from the Southern Hemisphere—one steady fifty at a time.
Sources
- Times of India: IND vs NZ: Kiwi batter Daryl Mitchell equals Babar; closes in on Kohli’s record
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru: ODI Batting Records Since 2023
- ICC Official Website: ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings