New Zealand Clinch Historic ODI Series Win Over India

Cricket fans in Indore and across the globe witnessed a dramatic and record-breaking third ODI between India and New Zealand on January 18, 2026, at Holkar Stadium. The match, which had all the makings of a classic, saw New Zealand clinch a historic 41-run victory to take the series 2-1, despite a heroic solo effort from Virat Kohli. The day was filled with milestones, memorable partnerships, and even a lighthearted viral moment between two of the game's stars.

New Zealand, having come into the match on the back foot after going 0-1 down in the series, put on a formidable display with the bat. After being reduced to 58 for three, the visitors were rescued by a magnificent 219-run fourth-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. Mitchell, in imperious form, struck his second consecutive century of the series, amassing 137 runs off 131 balls with 15 boundaries and three sixes. Phillips, not to be outdone, hammered 106 off just 88 deliveries, peppering the boundary with nine fours and three sixes.

This stand not only turned the innings on its head but also allowed New Zealand to post a daunting total of 337 for eight in their 50 overs. The Indian pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, had earlier kept things tight. Arshdeep, brought in for Prasidh Krishna, made an immediate impact by dismissing Henry Nicholls for a duck in the opening over. He finished with figures of 3 for 63, while Harshit Rana, though expensive, managed three wickets for 84 runs. Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with crucial wickets in the death overs, but not before New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell added a quick-fire unbeaten 28 from 18 balls, further boosting the total.

The New Zealand innings wasn’t all business, though. Fans were treated to a delightful moment when Virat Kohli and Daryl Mitchell shared a brief, humorous exchange near the boundary. After Mitchell’s superb innings was ended by Siraj in the 45th over, Kohli applauded him and then jokingly pushed him out of the ground, drawing laughter from both players and the crowd. The lighthearted clip quickly went viral, adding a touch of camaraderie to the fiercely competitive contest.

India’s chase of 338 began with promise. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put on 28 runs before Sharma fell for 11 to Zakary Foulkes. Gill, who looked solid, was soon bowled by Kyle Jamieson for 23. The middle order struggled to gain momentum; Shreyas Iyer managed just 3, and KL Rahul was out for 1, leaving India reeling at 71 for four. The pressure mounted as wickets continued to tumble, but one man stood tall amid the chaos—Virat Kohli.

Kohli, already the owner of a staggering list of records, added several more to his collection in Indore. He reached his 54th ODI century in just 91 balls, studded with eight fours and two sixes, becoming the player with the most centuries (seven) against New Zealand in ODIs. This ton was also his 85th international century and his 41st on home soil, surpassing legends such as Ricky Ponting, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sanath Jayasuriya in various batting milestones.

India’s hopes rested on Kohli’s shoulders as he anchored the innings, first with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who notched a maiden ODI half-century with a pair of towering sixes. Reddy’s 53-run contribution was vital, but he departed just as the partnership was blossoming. Ravindra Jadeja joined Kohli but managed only 12 before falling to the clever left-arm spin of Jayden Lennox. Harshit Rana then provided a late flourish, smashing 52 off 43 balls, including boundaries and a memorable six, to keep the chase alive.

The contest reached fever pitch as Kohli and Rana combined for a massive 21-run over off Jamieson, swinging momentum India’s way. But as the asking rate climbed, the pressure told. Rana holed out for 52, and the tail was left with a mountain to climb. Kohli, undeterred, continued to fight, lighting up the stadium with back-to-back fours and a six that sent the crowd into raptures. He eventually fell for a magnificent 124, caught by Daryl Mitchell off Kristian Clarke, a moment that drew a standing ovation from the Indore faithful but also signaled the end of India’s realistic hopes.

With Kohli gone, India’s lower order tried valiantly, but New Zealand’s fielding and bowling held firm. Kuldeep Yadav was run out by a precise throw from Clarke, and Arshdeep Singh struck a late boundary, but the hosts were bowled out for 296 in the 46th over. New Zealand’s victory was sealed, and with it, their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil—a feat that will be remembered for years to come.

Reflecting on the triumph, New Zealand’s Jayden Lennox said, “Wouldn’t say easy. Seeing a star-studded line-up, to put winning performances is special. Special to have our first one-day series here. I’ve not overcomplicated the game. I pride myself to do well at the death and create pressure in the middle. Atmosphere, I thought it’d make me more nervous than it did. Relatively inexperienced unit, performing in high-pressure environment. Kudos to the set up in NZ operating at the moment.” According to Lennox, the team’s ability to stay unpredictable and composed under pressure was key to their success.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions and a showcase of individual brilliance, particularly from Kohli, whose latest masterclass sadly went in vain. For New Zealand, the series win marks a new era of confidence, while for India, it’s a reminder that even the most formidable home records can be challenged by inspired opposition.

As the stadium lights dimmed in Indore, the cricketing world was left to marvel at a contest that had everything: records, drama, and even a bit of good-natured fun. New Zealand’s first ODI series win in India is now etched in history, while Virat Kohli’s relentless pursuit of greatness continues to inspire fans and teammates alike.