New Zealand etched their name into the history books by securing their maiden bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil, achieving the feat with a relatively depleted squad. The defeat also marked the first occasion since 2023 that India have lost a bilateral 50-over series at home, with the visitors managing to prevail despite a valiant run-chase led by Virat Kohli.
India’s previous home ODI series setback came in 2023 against Australia, captained by Steve Smith. After cruising to a comfortable win in the opening ODI, the hosts were stunned as the Australians bounced back to claim the next two matches and seal a surprising series victory. A similar script unfolded in the current series.
Shubman Gill’s side chased down a target of 301 with ease in the first ODI at Vadodara, but New Zealand hit back strongly in the second match at Rajkot, registering a seven-wicket win while overhauling 285. Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 131 stole the spotlight, outshining KL Rahul’s resolute 112 not out.
In the decisive third ODI at Indore, the Kiwis once again proved too strong, successfully defending a formidable total of 337 as India fell short in the chase.
Kohli’s 124 Overshadowed By India’s Batting Collapse
Chasing a daunting target of 338 in their allotted 50 overs, the hosts endured an early batting collapse. Rohit Sharma (11), Shubman Gill (23), Shreyas Iyer (3) and KL Rahul (1) were dismissed cheaply, leaving Virat Kohli to shoulder the responsibility.
With the score reading 71/4, the veteran batter stitched together a crucial 88-run partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made 53, to revive India’s hopes. Kohli then added another fluent 99-run stand with Harshit Rana, who struck an aggressive 52 before being dismissed by Zakary Foulkes.
The right-hander reached his 54th ODI century in just 91 balls and continued to press on, but his dismissal for 124 effectively ended India’s chances of pulling off the chase. Kuldeep Yadav was the final wicket to fall as India finished 41 runs short of the target.
Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series after amassing 352 runs in three innings, highlighted by two centuries.
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