Indore: New Zealand etched their name in the history books on Sunday, January 18, 2026, clinching their first-ever bilateral ODI series victory on Indian soil. Despite a masterclass century from Virat Kohli, the Black Caps emerged victorious by 41 runs at the Holkar Stadium, sealing the three-match series 2-1.
The Mitchell-Phillips Show
After being invited to bat first, New Zealand found themselves in early trouble. India’s pace duo of Arshdeep Singh (3/63) and Harshit Rana (3/84) tore through the top order, reducing the visitors to a precarious 5/2 and later 58/3.+1
However, what followed was a record-breaking rescue act. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips forged a monumental 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Mitchell was in sublime touch, smashing his second consecutive century of the series with an unbeaten 137 off 131 balls. Phillips provided the explosive counter-punch, bludgeoning 106 off 88 deliveries. Their partnership dismantled the Indian spin attack and propelled New Zealand to a formidable total of 337/8.
India’s Top-Order Collapse
Chasing 338, India’s reply started on a shaky note. Skipper Shubman Gill (23) and Rohit Sharma (11) failed to provide a solid foundation, and when Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul departed cheaply, India was reeling at 71/4 in the 13th over.
The stadium, however, remained alive as long as Virat Kohli was at the crease. Kohli played a vintage knock, mixing aggression with calculated risk. He found brief support from Nitish Kumar Reddy (53), but it was the 99-run stand with Harshit Rana that genuinely threatened the Kiwis. Rana, proving his mettle as an all-rounder, smashed a maiden ODI fifty (52 off 43 balls), bringing the target within reach.
The Final Blow
Just as momentum seemed to shift toward the hosts, New Zealand’s bowlers struck back. Kristian Clarke (3/54) and Zakary Foulkes (3/77) kept their nerves in the death overs. The turning point came when Rana was caught in the 44th over, followed quickly by Mohammed Siraj.
Kohli continued to fight, reaching his 54th ODI century (and 85th international ton) to a standing ovation. But with 46 needed off the final few overs and only the tail for company, Kohli finally holed out for a magnificent 124 off 108 balls. India was eventually bundled out for 296 in 46 overs.
Awards and Accolades
The presentation ceremony belonged to one man. Daryl Mitchell was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series. Mitchell was the standout performer across the three games, finishing as the top-scorer of the series with a staggering 352 runs at an average of 176.00.
Key Match Stats
| Player | Performance | Team |
| Daryl Mitchell | 137* (131) | NZ |
| Glenn Phillips | 106 (88) | NZ |
| Virat Kohli | 124 (108) | IND |
| Harshit Rana | 52 (43) & 3/84 | IND |
| Arshdeep Singh | 3/63 | IND |
| Kristian Clarke | 3/54 | NZ |
A Historic Milestone
For Michael Bracewell’s men, this victory is a landmark achievement, breaking a drought that dated back to 1988. New Zealand’s ability to win without several veterans highlights their incredible squad depth.
Both teams will now shift focus to the five-match T20I series starting Wednesday.
