In a pulsating finale to the three-match ODI series, New Zealand overcame a valiant fightback from Virat Kohli to defeat India by 41 runs in the third ODI at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on January 18, 2026. This victory not only sealed a 2-1 series triumph for the Black Caps but marked their maiden bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil, ending a drought that spanned decades. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips powered New Zealand to a formidable 337/8, while Kohli’s gritty 124 kept India in the hunt before the hosts faltered to 296 all out.
The match, played under lights in front of a packed crowd, showcased high-octane cricket with centuries, partnerships, and dramatic collapses. New Zealand, who lost the first ODI but bounced back in the second, entered the decider with momentum. India, led by stand-in captain Shubman Gill in Rohit Sharma’s limited role, aimed to leverage home advantage but were undone by early wickets and disciplined Kiwi bowling.
New Zealand’s Batting Masterclass: Mitchell and Phillips Turn the Tide
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand faced early trouble, slipping to 58/3 in the 13th over. Indian seamers Arshdeep Singh (3-63) and Harshit Rana (3-84) struck telling blows, dismissing openers Finn Allen and Will Young cheaply, followed by captain Tom Latham. But what followed was a game-changing 219-run fourth-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips – the highest for any wicket against India in ODIs.
Mitchell, in scintillating form, smashed 137 off 106 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes, anchoring the innings with calculated aggression. Phillips complemented him perfectly, blasting 106 off 88 deliveries with 8 fours and 3 sixes, accelerating in the death overs. Their stand rescued New Zealand from peril and propelled them to a daunting total. Lower-order contributions from Michael Bracewell (28) and Zak Foulkes added crucial runs, as the visitors posted 337/8 in 50 overs.
India’s bowlers toiled hard on a batting-friendly pitch. Arshdeep impressed with his variations, while Rana, despite leaking runs, picked key wickets. Spinners Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav struggled to contain the flow, conceding over 6 runs per over.
India’s Chase: Kohli’s Heroics in Vain Amid Top-Order Woes
Chasing 338, India needed a solid start, but New Zealand’s bowlers had other plans. Openers Rohit Sharma (11) and Shubman Gill (23) fell early, leaving the hosts at 34/2. Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant couldn’t capitalize, as Kristian Clarke (3-54) and Zak Foulkes (3-77) ran through the top order, reducing India to 71/4.
Enter Virat Kohli, the chase master. The former captain, playing in his preferred 50-over format post-retirement from Tests and T20Is, waged a lone battle. He stitched a 78-run stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy (53 off 57) for the fifth wicket, keeping the required rate in check. After Reddy’s departure, Kohli found an unlikely ally in all-rounder Harshit Rana, who smashed a maiden ODI fifty (52 off 43, with 4 fours and 4 sixes) in a 99-run seventh-wicket partnership that revived hopes.
Kohli reached his 54th ODI century – extending his world record – with a trademark cover drive, raising his bat to thunderous applause. His 124 came off 108 balls, laced with 9 fours and 3 sixes, blending defense with flair. But once he was dismissed, caught off Jayden Lennox (2-42), the tail crumbled. India were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, falling short by 41 runs.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Daryl Mitchell (NZ): Player of the Match and Series with 137, his second consecutive century against India. His ability to rotate strike and punish loose balls was pivotal.
- Glenn Phillips (NZ): Explosive 106, turning the game with aggressive strokeplay.
- Virat Kohli (IND): 124, a masterclass in chasing, but lacked support from the top order.
- Harshit Rana (IND): All-round heroics with 3-84 and 52, showing promise on debut series.
- Zak Foulkes & Kristian Clarke (NZ): Shared 6 wickets, exploiting India’s vulnerabilities with pace and bounce.
The turning point was undoubtedly the Mitchell-Phillips alliance, which shifted momentum after early wickets. India’s middle-order fightback was commendable, but the loss of quick wickets post-Kohli’s ton sealed their fate.
Historic Milestone for New Zealand
This series win is a landmark for New Zealand, who had never beaten India in a bilateral ODI series at home before. Captain Tom Latham praised his team’s resilience: “To come back after the first loss and win the next two is special. The boys showed character.” For India, it’s a rare home defeat, prompting questions about their batting depth in the post-Rohit era.
As the dust settles on this enthralling contest, cricket fans will remember it for the individual brilliance and the historic upset. New Zealand’s triumph adds spice to future encounters, proving that on any given day, the underdogs can roar.
