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New Zealand brought India’s formidable home record to an end with a commanding 41-run victory in the third ODI at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, clinching a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

 

The triumph marked New Zealand’s first bilateral ODI series win in India since 1988, achieved after eight unsuccessful attempts, and sparked jubilant celebrations in the visitors’ camp.

 

India won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that initially paid dividends. Arshdeep Singh struck with the very first ball, dismissing Henry Nicholls for a duck, before Harshit Rana removed Devon Conway for five, leaving New Zealand struggling at 5 for 2 inside two overs.

 

However, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips then staged a stunning recovery. Mitchell played a composed yet powerful innings, scoring 137 off 131 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes. Phillips, after a measured start, accelerated superbly to hammer 106 off 88 balls, laced with nine fours and three sixes.

 

The duo added a monumental 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket, transforming New Zealand’s innings and setting the foundation for a formidable total.

 

Late fireworks from Michael Bracewell, who smashed 28 off 18 balls, and a brisk 11 from Kristian Clarke lifted New Zealand to 337 for 8.

 

India’s chase began cautiously. Rohit Sharma made 11, Shubman Gill 23 and Shreyas Iyer 3, before Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a brilliant 124 off 108 balls. Support, however, was limited, with Nitish Kumar Reddy scoring 53, Harshit Rana 52 and Ravindra Jadeja 12.

 

Unable to sustain the required run rate, India were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, falling short despite Kohli’s resistance.

 

For India, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana claimed three wickets each, while Jayden Lennox took two and Mohammed Siraj returned economical figures of 1 for 43.

 

The defeat was historically significant for the hosts. It marked India’s first ODI loss at Indore after seven consecutive wins at the venue and ended a 13-match streak of home ODI victories after winning the toss, a run that dated back to October 2022.

 

From 0-1 down in the series, New Zealand produced a remarkable comeback, with Mitchell and Phillips starring both with the bat and in decisive moments in the field. With the T20 series next on the calendar, India will need a swift regroup to prevent the visitors from extending their historic run.