New Zealand scripted history by clinching their first-ever ODI series win in India, sealing the landmark achievement with a convincing 41-run victory in the third ODI at Indore.
Despite a valiant century from Virat Kohli, the hosts were outplayed by a disciplined and fearless New Zealand side that delivered under pressure.
Asked to bat first after India won the toss, New Zealand were rocked early as Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh removed Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls cheaply.
However, Daryl Mitchell and Will Young steadied the innings, absorbing the early movement before Rana returned to dismiss Young.
Mitchell then found an ideal partner in Glenn Phillips, and the duo launched a counterattack that shifted momentum decisively in New Zealand’s favour. Mitchell accelerated after the halfway stage, dominating India’s spin attack with authority.
He brought up his ninth ODI century, his second consecutive hundred in the series, striking 15 fours and three sixes. Phillips followed with a fluent century of his own.
Their 219-run partnership, which ended in the 44th over, laid the foundation for a formidable total.
Late contributions from captain Michael Bracewell ensured New Zealand finished on 337 for 8, a challenging target on an otherwise good batting surface.
India’s chase began positively, with captain Shubman Gill showing intent early. However, the momentum quickly shifted as Rohit Sharma fell inside the Powerplay, triggering a collapse.
Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul departed in quick succession, leaving India struggling at 71 for 4.
Virat Kohli once again stood tall under pressure, continuing his sublime form. He found valuable support from Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored a composed half-century as the pair added 88 runs to revive hopes.
Kohli reached his 54th ODI century, surpassing Ricky Ponting to become the highest run scorer at number three in ODI history.
New Zealand struck at crucial moments as Kris Clarke dismissed Reddy, while Jayden Lennox removed Ravindra Jadeja soon after.
Despite a brief counterattacking stand between Kohli and Harshit Rana, the required rate proved too steep, and India eventually fell short.
The series win marked a historic milestone for New Zealand, snapping an eight-match losing streak against India and making them the first team in three years to win a home ODI series in India despite losing the toss.
Led by Mitchell’s heroics, Phillips’ emergence, and a sharp all-round bowling effort, New Zealand achieved what once seemed unthinkable, beating India in India.
