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.
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.
The foundation for New Zealand's victory was laid earlier in the day by a dominant batting display. Centuries from Daryl Mitchell, who smashed 137, and Glenn Phillips, who contributed a blistering 106, powered the visitors to a formidable total of 337 for eight.