Indore: New Zealand carved their name into cricketing history on Sunday by securing their maiden ODI series triumph on Indian soil, defeating the hosts by 41 runs in the decisive third match at Indore to seal the three-match rubber 2-1.
The Kiwis posted a commanding 337/8 in their 50 overs before restricting India to 296 all out in 46 overs, delivering a reality check to the Men in Blue despite a valiant rearguard effort from Virat Kohli.
Mitchell, Phillips Power New Zealand’s Batting Blitz
New Zealand’s imposing total was anchored by consecutive centuries from Daryl Mitchell and a destructive knock from Glenn Phillips. Mitchell continued his rich vein of form, smashing his second successive hundred of the series—a 131-ball 137 studded with 15 boundaries and one maximum.
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Phillips complemented Mitchell’s effort with a blistering 106 off just 88 deliveries, striking nine fours and three sixes to put the Indian bowlers under sustained pressure. Captain Michael Bracewell provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls, laced with four boundaries, propelling the visitors beyond the 330-mark.
India’s bowling attack struggled for consistency, though Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana managed three wickets apiece, returning figures of 3/63 and 3/84 respectively.
Kohli’s Heroics Fall Short in Desperate Chase
Confronted with a steep target, India’s chase hinged almost entirely on the shoulders of their former captain. Kohli delivered a masterclass under pressure, crafting a magnificent 124 off 108 balls embellished with 10 fours and three sixes.
However, meaningful support proved elusive from the established batting order. The most significant contribution came from an unlikely source—number nine batsman Harshit Rana, who registered his maiden ODI half-century with an aggressive 52 off 43 balls featuring eight boundaries. The duo’s 99-run partnership briefly revived India’s fading hopes.
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy chipped in with 53 runs from 57 deliveries, hitting two fours and two sixes, but the lack of substantial partnerships elsewhere sealed India’s fate as they were bowled out 42 runs short of the target.
Kiwi Bowlers Execute Clinical Performance
New Zealand’s bowling unit executed their plans effectively under pressure. Kristian Clarke led the attack with 3/54, while Zakary Foulkes matched his effort with 3/77. Jayden Lennox produced an economical spell, claiming 2/42 to stifle India’s momentum at crucial junctures.
The series defeat marks a disappointing outcome for India on home turf, where they traditionally hold dominance. For New Zealand, the victory represents a landmark achievement—their first-ever ODI series win in India—cementing their status as formidable white-ball opponents regardless of conditions.
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