Source The Hindu
INDORE – New Zealand etched their names into the record books on Sunday, securing their first-ever ODI series victory on Indian soil with a clinical 41-run win over the hosts at the Holkar Cricket Stadium. Despite a heroic 124-run knock from Virat Kohli—his 85th international century—India were bundled out for 296 while chasing a formidable target of 338.
The victory handed the Black Caps a 2-1 series win, marking a historic turnaround after they trailed 1-0 following the opening match in Vadodara.
Mitchell and Phillips Power Kiwis to Massive Total
Sent into bat first, New Zealand found themselves in early trouble at 58/3, courtesy of a sharp opening spell by Arshdeep Singh. However, the game shifted dramatically as Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips forged a massive 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Mitchell was the cornerstone of the innings, striking his second consecutive century of the series with a masterful 137 off 131 balls. He was ably supported by Phillips, who played the aggressor, smashing 106 off just 88 balls. A late cameo by skipper Michael Bracewell (28* off 18) ensured the visitors finished on a high at 337/8.
The Chase: Kohli Stands Alone
India’s response got off to a rocky start, losing both openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill early. At 71/4, the chase looked dead until Virat Kohli took charge. Kohli looked in sublime touch, reaching his 54th ODI century and keeping the required run rate within reach for much of the evening.
Brief hope flickered when youngsters Nitish Reddy (53) and Harshit Rana (52) played fearless cameos to support the “King.” Rana, in particular, delighted the Indore crowd with a flurry of sixes during a 99-run stand with Kohli. However, New Zealand’s Kristian Clarke (3/54) and Zakary Foulkes (3/77) kept their composure under pressure.
The turning point came in the 46th over when Kohli, trying to clear the long-on boundary, mistimed a fuller delivery from Clarke into the hands of Daryl Mitchell. With his departure for 124, India’s resistance folded quickly, eventually being bowled out for 296.
Result: New Zealand won by 41 runs and won the 3-match series 2-1.
Player of the Match/Series: Daryl Mitchell
The series victory is a landmark moment for New Zealand cricket, coming just months after their historic 3-0 Test whitewash over India in late 2025. For the hosts, the focus will now shift to middle-order consistency as they continue their preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Match Summary
Team Score Top Performers
New Zealand 337/8 (50 overs) Daryl Mitchell (137), Glenn Phillips (106)
India 296/10 (46 overs) Virat Kohli (124), Nitish Reddy (53)
