Daijiworld Media Network - Indore
Indore, Jan 19: New Zealand created history by defeating India in an ODI series on Indian soil for the first time, clinching the three-match contest 2-1 after a thrilling victory in Indore on Sunday. The visitors, who had arrived with an injury-hit squad, bounced back strongly after losing the opening match to seal a memorable series win.
With this defeat, India also suffered their first loss in 14 home ODIs after winning the toss. Batting first, New Zealand posted a formidable 337, riding on brilliant centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. Mitchell once again tormented India, smashing his second hundred of the series and his fourth century against India, all of which have come on Indian pitches. Phillips provided excellent support with a fluent 106 off 88 balls as the duo stitched a decisive 219-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Chasing 338, India were rocked early and slumped to 71 for 4, missing the services of Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya. However, Virat Kohli kept the hosts in the hunt with a magnificent 54th ODI century. He also shared vital partnerships with young allrounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana, who both registered their maiden ODI fifties.
Kohli’s innings went through distinct phases — an aggressive start, a period of controlled rebuilding, and a late assault when the required rate soared. He reached his hundred off 91 balls, but the steep target eventually proved too much. Kohli fell when India still needed 46 runs from 27 balls, ending the hosts’ hopes of a comeback.
New Zealand’s bowlers delivered at crucial moments, with Kyle Jamieson striking early, Jayden Lennox impressing with control and variation to claim 2 for 42, and Zak Foulkes and Kristian Clarke picking up three wickets each. Glenn Phillips also chipped in with the ball, while New Zealand’s spinners once again outperformed their Indian counterparts.
Despite a valiant effort from Kohli, India fell short, handing New Zealand a landmark ODI series triumph and underlining their growing dominance in subcontinental conditions.