Just over a year after scripting history in Tests, New Zealand have done the unthinkable again—beating India in India, this time securing their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil. Arriving with an injury-hit squad, the Black Caps bounced back from a 1–0 deficit to claim the series 2–1, sealing it with a memorable win in Indore.
The decider saw New Zealand pile on 337, powered by yet another masterclass from Daryl Mitchell, who continues to torment India. Mitchell struck his second century of the series—his fourth hundred against India and fourth on Indian soil—before Glenn Phillips joined the party. The pair stitched together a decisive 219-run stand, with Phillips blasting a rapid 106 off 88 balls, flipping the game on its head after New Zealand slipped to 58 for 3.
India’s chase never truly settled. Chasing a steep total without Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, and with a fragile lower order, they were rocked early and slumped to 71 for 4. Yet, as so often, Virat Kohli refused to let belief fade.
The chase master produced his 54th ODI century, pacing his innings through clear phases—an aggressive start, a long rebuilding stretch, and a late onslaught when the asking rate spiraled. Supported by maiden ODI fifties from Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana, Kohli dragged India within touching distance. But this time, the finish eluded him. He fell as the ninth wicket, leaving India short, one of the rare occasions Kohli couldn’t complete the chase he had almost single-handedly revived.
New Zealand’s bowlers delivered at key moments. Kyle Jamieson struck early, Jayden Lennox impressed with control on a batter-friendly surface, and wickets were shared around. Once again, New Zealand’s spinners outperformed India’s, while Mitchell and Phillips’ assault in the middle overs proved decisive.
Despite a valiant Kohli innings at a ground known for run-fests, 337 was enough. The result marked a landmark moment—New Zealand’s first ODI series victory in India, achieved by outplaying the hosts in crucial phases and surviving even the best efforts of the game’s greatest chaser.
Quick Match Notes
- New Zealand won despite missing several first-choice players
- Mitchell–Phillips partnership: 219 runs (match-defining)
- Kohli scored his 54th ODI century, but the chase fell short
- New Zealand’s spinners out bowled India again