Indore: Virat Kohli’s magnificent century could not prevent India from suffering a rare home series defeat as New Zealand beat India by 41 runs in the third and decisive ODI, sealing the three-match series 2–1 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
With this victory, New Zealand created history by winning an ODI bilateral series in India for the first time in 37 years. The last time the Black Caps achieved this feat was back in 1988. After eight unsuccessful attempts since then, New Zealand finally managed to break the long-standing jinx on Indian soil.
Chasing a challenging target of 338 runs, India were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs. Despite Virat Kohli’s valiant knock of 124 runs, the hosts failed to cross the line. Kohli’s dismissal marked the end of India’s hopes, as wickets continued to fall at the other end.
The century was Kohli’s 85th international hundred and his 54th ODI century, further cementing his status as one of the game’s greats. He was the only Indian batter who held the innings together from start to finish.
Apart from Kohli, Nitish Reddy (53) and Harshit Rana (52) made useful contributions, keeping India in the contest for a brief period. However, no other batter managed to make a significant impact, leading to India’s first home ODI series defeat against New Zealand.
Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that eventually backfired. New Zealand posted an imposing 337/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
The visitors had a poor start, losing both openers early. Henry Nicholls was dismissed for a duck, while Devon Conway departed for just five runs, leaving New Zealand struggling at 5/2. However, Daryl Mitchell and Will Young steadied the innings with a crucial 53-run partnership for the third wicket. Young was dismissed after scoring 30.
New Zealand register a 41-run victory in the decider and win the series 2-1
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2026
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Mitchell, continuing his excellent form, went on to play a superb innings of 137 runs off 131 balls, which included 15 fours and three sixes. With this knock, Mitchell became the first visiting batter to score successive 50-plus scores against India in India.
He received strong support from Glenn Phillips, who smashed 106 runs off 88 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes. The duo added a massive 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket, taking New Zealand close to the 300-run mark.
Captain Michael Bracewell provided the finishing touches with an aggressive cameo at the end, pushing the total beyond 330.
Among the Indian bowlers, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana were the most successful, picking up three wickets each. Arshdeep conceded 63 runs in his 10 overs, while Rana gave away 84.
India made one notable change in their playing XI, with Arshdeep Singh replacing Prasidh Krishna.
This defeat marked India’s first ODI loss at Indore after winning seven consecutive matches at the venue. Notably, teams batting first have won six of the eight ODIs played at this ground.
It was also India’s first home ODI loss after winning the toss since October 2022, ending a streak of 13 consecutive victories in such matches.
India’s Home Bilateral ODI Series Record Since 2016
- Against Australia: 5 series – 3 wins, 2 losses
- Against other teams: 14 series – 13 wins, 1 loss (vs New Zealand)
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Joins Elite List with 100 Home ODIs, Struggles in New Zealand Series Finale