India: New Zealand secured a 41-run win over India in the third ODI at Holkar Stadium to clinch the series 2-1. This is the Black Caps’ first win in the ODI series on Indian soil. Despite a strong performance, India fell short of 338 at 296.
Virat Kohli’s brave 85th international hundred, a proud 124 from 119 balls, almost turned the tide. The comeback started promisingly, but after his dismissal India lost momentum. Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana contributed fighting fifties – Reddy’s 52 and Rana’s quickfire 50 – but that wasn’t enough against New Zealand’s impressive total. The Indian innings collapsed in the 48th over, leaving fans stunned.
Earlier, Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana starred with the ball, taking three wickets each to keep things close. But New Zealand’s middle order exploded. Player of the match and series Daryl Mitchell hit a brilliant 137 from 131 balls – his second ton in as many games. Glenn Phillips, returning from injury, complemented him perfectly with 106 from 88 deliveries. Their massive 244-run stand took the Kiwis to 337/6 in 50 overs, setting a daunting target under the lights of Indore.
New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell couldn’t hide his joy after the game. “It’s always pressure to come here and play,” he said, beaming. “It’s the first time a New Zealand team has won an ODI series here – it’s special. You always hope to come here and play good cricket.
Bracewell praised Mitchell: “He’s been great in ODIs for a few years now. He’s a humble guy, it’s special to see him get his rewards. It was cool to have three debutants in this series and get to experience the crowd. Increasing the depth of cricket in New Zealand is great.”
Understandably, Mitchell was delighted with his knock: “It’s really nice to contribute and win here. The way we’ve built partnerships with Young and GP and getting here has taught domestic cricket a lot.”
On the Indian side, Gill was honest about the shortcomings. “After the first game when we were 1-1 here, the way we played was disappointing. There are a lot of areas that need to be improved.
Debutant Jayden Lennox, the left-arm spinner who troubled India in the middle overs, added: “I wouldn’t call it easy. Seeing a star-studded line-up to put up winning performances is special. Especially that this is our first one-day series. I didn’t overcomplicate the game. I played on small pitches. I’m proud of doing well at the death and creating pressure in the middle. Aim of the Left-arm spin bowling.” Short form cricket is not supposed to be predictable, the batters are not supposed to go under or step hit. I thought it would make me more nervous than it would have been in a high pressure environment.
This defeat hurts India, especially at home, but New Zealand’s team performance – the combination of experience and youth – proved crucial. The Black Caps return with their heads held high as India turns their focus to the challenges ahead.
