Indore, India – New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs in the third and final One Day International (ODI) at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday, securing their first-ever bilateral ODI series victory on Indian soil. The win clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1 for the Black Caps, marking a significant achievement in their cricketing history against a formidable opponent.
The match concluded on January 18, 2026, with New Zealand successfully defending a total of 337 for 8. India, despite a valiant effort, were bowled out for 296 in the 46th over, falling short of the target and handing New Zealand the coveted series win.
New Zealand’s Batting Prowess Drives ODI Series Victory
After losing the first match of the series, New Zealand demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. Batting first in the series decider, the New Zealand innings initially stumbled with the early dismissal of both openers. However, a crucial 219-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips revitalized the visitors’ momentum.
Mitchell anchored the innings with a fluent 137, while Phillips provided explosive support, contributing a rapid 106. This partnership laid the foundation for a challenging total, allowing New Zealand to post 337 for 8. Disciplined batting in the later overs further bolstered their score.
India’s Top Order Struggles
India’s response began poorly, with key batsmen Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul all dismissed for low scores. This left the hosts reeling at 71, placing immense pressure on the middle order to rebuild the innings. The early wickets significantly hampered India’s chances of a successful chase.
Virat Kohli stepped up to the occasion, playing a composed innings and attempting to steady the ship. He found a valuable ally in Nitish Kumar Reddy, and the pair constructed a patient partnership that briefly reignited India’s hopes. However, the loss of Nitish at 53 and Ravindra Jadeja soon after proved to be a turning point.
Kohli continued to fight, receiving support from Harshit Rana, and the duo offered a glimmer of hope to the home crowd. Rana initially played cautiously before increasing his scoring rate, while Kohli maintained sensible strike rotation and found timely boundaries. Unfortunately, Rana’s dismissal shortly after reaching his maiden ODI half-century proved decisive.
Kohli’s Milestone in Defeat
Despite the overall team defeat, Virat Kohli’s innings was a standout performance. During his knock, Kohli surpassed Ricky Ponting to become the highest run-scorer in ODIs while batting at the No.3 position, adding another significant milestone to his illustrious career. This individual achievement provided a small consolation for the Indian team and fans.
The New Zealand bowling attack maintained consistent pressure throughout the Indian innings, capitalizing on the early wickets and preventing any substantial partnerships from forming. Their disciplined approach and accurate line and length ultimately restricted India’s scoring opportunities. The performance highlighted New Zealand’s strength in limited overs cricket.
This cricket series win for New Zealand follows years of attempting to conquer India in their own backyard. It represents a significant breakthrough for the team and a testament to their improved performance in subcontinent conditions. The victory is expected to boost New Zealand’s confidence heading into future international cricket tournaments.
The two teams will now shift their focus to a T20 series, with the first match scheduled to be played in Nagpur on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The T20 series will provide another opportunity for both teams to assess their players and strategies in a different format of the game. The outcome of the T20 series remains uncertain, and fans will be eager to see how both teams adapt to the shorter format.
