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India produced an incredible all-round show to clinch a convincing 90-run victory over New Zealand in the third ODI in Indore on Tuesday (January 24). With this win, the Rohit Sharma's men also earned their second series sweep of 2023 as they earlier defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in the three-match ODI series. As a result India have become the Numero Uno in the ODI rankings.
Batting first Rohit and Shubman Gill smashed incredible centuries to help India post a humongous total of 385/9. While Rohit ended his three-year-long century drought with a phenomenal 101 off 85, Gill struck a brilliant 112 off 78 as the duo stitched together a marathon opening partnership of 212.
While chasing such a gigantic target, Devon Conway took up the mantle and posed a threat to India bowlers as he went on to hit a lightning 71-ball century. After losing Finn Allen in the very first over, Conway and Henry Nicholls stitched together a 106-run partnership to leave the Indian skipper Rohit in conundrum. Soon Nicholls was removed by Kuldeep Yadav after scoring 42 off 40 to give India a much needed breakthrough.
Shardul Thakur then followed it up with back-to-back wickets in the 26th over which completely changed the complexion of the game. Shardul turned the game in India's favour by dismissing Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham on consecutive deliveries.
However, Shardul was then taken to cleaners by Conway as he smoked a couple of boundaries later in the over which left Rohit furious. Rohit was seen infuriated as he rushed to Shardul to reprimand him.
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However, in the very next over, Shardul sent Glenn Phillips packing to snare his third wicket and Rohit heaved a sigh in relief. Shardul returned with 3/45 to emerge pick of the bowlers for India. And once Umran Malik got rid of the Conway it was all over for the Black Caps. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal did the rest for India as the Men in Blues clinch the issue comprehensively.
"I'm well-liked by them and even I like my team-mates. At some point they're going to come after you, and it's important to stay in the moment and not get ahead of yourselves. I ask myself what needs to be done and do it the next time. I don't think too much because we've to be ready for all situations, whether with the bat or ball. Everyone enjoys batting and modern-day game is all about batting," Shardul said during the presentation ceremony.
India and New Zealand will next lock horns with each other for the three-match T20I series which is set to be played form January 27.
