New Zealand secured a historic One Day International series victory over India, winning the three-match series 2–1 after registering a 41-run win in the third and final ODI played yesterday. This triumph marked New Zealand’s first-ever ODI series victory against India in India.
At the batting-friendly Indore Stadium, Indian captain won the toss and elected to field first, backing his side’s ability to chase any target set.
Batting first, New Zealand posted an imposing total of 337 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. After losing three early wickets for just 58 runs, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips staged a remarkable recovery, adding a massive 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Mitchell continued his outstanding form, scoring 137 off 133 deliveries to register his eighth ODI century and his second consecutive hundred of the series. Phillips complemented him brilliantly, smashing 106 off just 88 balls to bring up his second ODI century.
For India, Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets for 63 runs, while despite conceding runs, Harshit Rana picked up three wickets for 84.
In reply, India suffered an early collapse, losing four wickets for 71 runs. Nitish Kumar Reddy joined forces with Virat Kohli to steady the innings, adding 88 runs for the fifth wicket.
After Ravindra Jadeja’s quick dismissal, Kohli found support from fast bowler Harshit Rana, who stunned the crowd by scoring a maiden ODI half-century. Rana struck 52 off just 43 balls, and together with Kohli, added 99 runs for the seventh wicket, briefly reviving India’s hopes.
Nevertheless, Rana’s dismissal triggered another collapse, and Kohli was eventually dismissed for a valiant 124 as the ninth wicket to fall. This innings marked Kohli’s 54th ODI century and his 29th while chasing. Notably, this became only the fifth occasion where India lost a match despite Kohli scoring a century in a successful run chase.
India were eventually bowled out short of the target, handing New Zealand a memorable 41-run victory and a historic series win.
This ODI series triumph follows New Zealand’s recent landmark Test series victory over India in India, making it their first-ever ODI and Test series wins on Indian soil.
Daryl Mitchell, who scored back-to-back centuries, was named Player of the Match in the final ODI as well as Player of the Series for his exceptional performances.
