Team India’s batting stalwart, Virat Kohli, unleashed a powerful pull shot for six, his first boundary of the innings, during the series-deciding third ODI against New Zealand at Holkar Stadium, Indore, on Sunday, January 18. The right-hander’s commanding shot sent an early warning to the Kiwi bowlers as India chased a challenging total of 338.
Kohli opened his account in the sixth over with a gentle push to mid-off for a single. After skipper Shubman Gill rotated the strike with a run to third man, Kohli faced Zakary Foulkes, who delivered a well-aimed short ball. Showing his class, the veteran batter timed a full-blooded pull, sending the ball over the boundary for a six.
You can watch the video here:
Pulled with power! 🤯
Virat Kohli smashes the first maximum of his innings. 💪#INDvNZ, 3rd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/CixSjUFkhU pic.twitter.com/DSWcZC51zd
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 18, 2026
At the time of reporting, the Delhi-born batter was firmly in command, hitting four more boundaries after his six off Foulkes. Despite his dominance, India had lost four wickets for 78, allowing New Zealand to gain the upper hand.
Virat Leads India’s Fightback
Virat Kohli has been in impressive ODI form recently. He kicked off the series with a solid 93 in Vadodara but managed only 23 on a tricky pitch in Rajkot. Beyond his runs, the veteran batter carries the crucial responsibility of steering the Men in Blue toward victory, drawing on his vast experience.
India find themselves in a precarious position in Indore, having lost openers Rohit Sharma (11) and Shubman Gill (23), along with Shreyas Iyer (3) and KL Rahul (1) cheaply. New Zealand posted 337/8 in their allotted 50 overs, powered by brilliant centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106).
The Kiwi pair stitched together a 219-run partnership after their side slumped to 5/2 in the opening overs. A win here would mark New Zealand’s first bilateral ODI series triumph on Indian soil.
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