Home
New Zealand sealed the ODI series 2-1 against India in style with a handsome 41-run win over the Men in Blue at the Holkar stadium in Indore on January 18. It wasn't an ordinary series win for New Zealand, albeit a historic one as they notched their first-ever ODI series victory over India on Indian soil.
ALSO READ: Massive update on Ravindra Jadeja-Shubman Gill's next move after India's ODI series defeat vs NZ
Virat Kohli's heroic ton in vain as NZ win ODI series vs India
Virat Kohli did his best to get India past the finishing line in a colossal 338-run chase by tonking his 54th ODI century. But his efforts went in vain as India were bundled out for 296 eventually.
Despite a historic effort from Kohli, India was unable to recover from a disastrous start after conceding 337 runs to New Zealand. The chase began poorly, with the team slumping to 71 for four early on. Although Kohli notched a record-extending 54th ODI century, and received spirited support from Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana—who scored 53 and a fluent 52 respectively—the middle-order collapse proved too great a hurdle to overcome.
The Indian innings ultimately folded for 296 in 46 overs, falling 41 runs short of the target. The New Zealand bowling attack remained disciplined throughout, led by Zak Foulkes and Kristian Clarke, who claimed three wickets apiece. They were well-supported by rookie spinner Jayden Lennox, who maintained pressure by finishing with efficient figures of 2/42 from his full 10-over quota.
Daryl Mitchell-Glenn Phillips tonk match-winning tons for Kiwis
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Indian captain Shubman Gill saw his decision pay off immediately. Pacers Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh provided a dream start for the hosts, striking early to dismiss the New Zealand opening pair of Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls for low scores. This initial burst put the visitors on the back foot, forcing them into an early defensive shell.
ALSO READ: Atharva Taide's ton guides Vidarbha to maiden VHT title after crushing Saurashtra by 38 runs
The recovery began with Will Young and Daryl Mitchell, who worked together to weather the early new-ball storm and stabilize the innings. Just as the partnership began to look threatening, Rana struck again to remove Young, bringing Glenn Phillips to the crease. It was at this juncture that the momentum shifted decisively; Mitchell and Phillips began to accelerate around the halfway mark, effectively neutralizing the threat of the Indian spin attack.
Mitchell was the primary aggressor, smashing 15 boundaries and three sixes on his way to a ninth ODI century—his second in as many matches. Phillips matched his partner's intensity, reaching a hundred of his own to keep New Zealand on track for a massive total. Their monumental 219-run partnership finally ended in the 44th over, but the damage was done. A late, energetic cameo from captain Michael Bracewell ensured the Black Caps finished with a formidable 337/8.
India and New Zealand will now shift their focus on the upcoming five-match T20I series which is slated to kick off from January 21.
ADVERTISEMENT
