New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs in the third ODI played at Holkar Stadium, Indore, sealing the three-match series 2–1. This marks New Zealand’s first-ever ODI series victory on Indian soil. Despite a brilliant century by Virat Kohli, India failed to chase the target successfully.
Powered by centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106), New Zealand posted a massive total and registered a landmark win. This was also India’s first ODI defeat at Holkar Stadium, where the hosts had remained unbeaten until now.
New Zealand Recover After Early Setbacks
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, New Zealand got off to a disastrous start, losing two wickets within the first two overs.
- Arshdeep Singh, replacing Prasidh Krishna, struck in the very first over, dismissing Henry Nicholls for a golden duck.
- In the next over, Harshit Rana removed Devon Conway (5), caught by Rohit Sharma.
At 5/2, New Zealand looked in trouble before Will Young and Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings with a 53-run partnership. Young was later dismissed for 30, after a brilliant catch by Ravindra Jadeja.
Mitchell–Phillips Record Partnership Turns the Match
Glenn Phillips joined Mitchell at No. 5, and the duo produced a match-defining 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket, completely shifting momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
- Glenn Phillips scored 106 runs off 88 balls, hitting 9 fours and 3 sixes
- Daryl Mitchell followed with a magnificent 137 off 131 balls, including 15 fours and 3 sixes
This partnership is now the second-highest in India vs New Zealand ODIs.
Arshdeep Singh eventually broke the stand, while Mitchell was later caught off Mohammed Siraj’s delivery.
Lower-order contributions from:
- Michael Bracewell (28 off 18 balls)*
helped New Zealand post a daunting 337-run total.
India’s bowlers:
- Arshdeep Singh – 3 wickets
- Harshit Rana – 3 wickets
- Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav – 1 wicket each
India’s Chase Falters Despite Kohli’s Brilliance
Chasing 338 runs, India once again suffered early blows:
- Rohit Sharma fell for 11
- Shubman Gill was bowled by Kyle Jamieson for 23
- Shreyas Iyer failed again
- KL Rahul, after scoring a century in the previous match, managed just 1 run
Virat Kohli and Nitish Kumar Reddy then stitched together an 88-run partnership, offering hope.
- Nitish Reddy scored 53 off 57 balls
- Ravindra Jadeja failed again, scoring 12
Harshit Rana Impresses, Kohli Fights Alone
Harshit Rana played a courageous knock, scoring his first international fifty:
- 52 runs off 43 balls
However, wickets continued to fall at the other end. Mohammed Siraj was dismissed for a golden duck.
Virat Kohli, batting almost alone, brought up his 54th ODI century and 85th international hundred, scoring 124 off 108 balls. This was his 41st century on Indian soil.
Kohli was eventually caught while attempting a big shot, and India were bowled out for 296, falling 41 runs short.
Key Records & Stats
- Virat Kohli now has the most ODI centuries vs New Zealand:
- Virat Kohli – 7 centuries
- Ricky Ponting – 6
- Virender Sehwag – 6
- Sachin Tendulkar – 5
- New Zealand:
- First-ever ODI series win in India
- India’s first ODI loss at Holkar Stadium
Final Result
New Zealand won by 41 runs
Series Result: New Zealand win 2–1
This historic victory will be remembered as one of New Zealand’s greatest achievements in limited-overs cricket on Indian soil.
