NZ vs Ind 3rd ODI - Kiwis Win An ODI Series In India After 37 Years
New Zealand created history in Indore as they defeated India in the Ind vs NZ 3rd ODI to clinch their first-ever bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil. In a high-pressure decider, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips produced a stunning batting display to post 337 before the visitors held their nerve in a tense chase. Despite a magnificent century from Virat Kohli, India fell short, allowing New Zealand to seal a memorable 2–1 series triumph.
Match Summary
NZ vs Ind 3rd ODI Summary Scoarecard
New Zealand Tour of India 2026 • Indore
With the series level at 1–1, the decider at Indore lived up to expectations on a batting-friendly surface. India won the toss and opted to field, striking early but losing control through the middle overs. New Zealand rebuilt calmly before launching a brutal assault late in the innings. Chasing 338, India found themselves under pressure after early wickets but were kept alive by Kohli’s masterclass. However, disciplined bowling and sharp fielding from New Zealand ensured regular breakthroughs, eventually bowling India out for 296 to complete a landmark series victory.
Inning-wise Breakdown
First Innings – New Zealand Batting
Inserted to bat, New Zealand were rocked early by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, losing both openers cheaply. From there, Daryl Mitchell took control, first steadying the innings and then accelerating with authority. He found the perfect partner in Glenn Phillips, who absorbed pressure before exploding later. Their massive 219-run partnership turned the match on its head. Although India pulled things back briefly at the death, New Zealand’s late surge lifted them to a formidable 337, a near-par total at Indore.
Second Innings – India Chase
India’s chase began unevenly as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill departed inside the powerplay, exposing the middle order early. Kohli then took charge, pacing his innings with trademark control and building partnerships when possible. Support arrived through Nitish Kumar Reddy and later Harshit Rana, who injected belief into the chase. However, New Zealand’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, exploiting moments of hesitation and forcing risky shots. As wickets kept tumbling at the other end, Kohli was left with too much to do. India were eventually bowled out for 296, falling short despite moments of resurgence.
Top Performers
Daryl Mitchell – 137 off 131 and 352 Runs in Series. Awarded the Player of the Match and the Player of the Series. Scored his 4th ODI Hundred vs India
Mitchell once again proved to be India’s tormentor, delivering a masterclass in batting under pressure. After surviving early chances, he settled into a commanding rhythm, punishing anything loose while rotating strike smartly against spin. His century was the backbone of New Zealand’s innings and capped an extraordinary series in which he amassed 352 runs. Calm, ruthless, and consistent, Mitchell’s knock not only set up the match but also underlined his growing reputation as one of the finest ODI batters in world cricket.
Daryl Mitchell has been awarded as Player of the Match in Ind vs NZ 3rd ODI. He deservedly also got awarded the Player of the Series!
Glenn Phillips – 106 off 88 | Maiden ODI Hundred vs India | Match-Turning Stand
Phillips played the perfect supporting role before transforming into the aggressor. Starting cautiously, he absorbed pressure during the rebuilding phase and trusted Mitchell at the other end. Once set, Phillips unleashed his full range, taking on both pace and spin with fearless intent. His century came at a rapid pace and ensured New Zealand pushed beyond India’s reach. The partnership he forged with Mitchell completely shifted momentum and proved decisive in a series-defining contest.
Virat Kohli – 124 off 108 | 54th ODI Hundred | Lone Warrior in Chase
Kohli produced a vintage ODI innings when India needed it most. Battling scoreboard pressure and a steady fall of wickets, he paced his knock brilliantly, mixing caution with calculated aggression. His century kept India alive deep into the chase and showcased his adaptability and hunger in high-stakes games. However, a lack of sustained support from the other end meant his effort ultimately went unrewarded. Even in defeat, Kohli’s innings stood out as a reminder of his unmatched class in ODI chases.
What This Result Means
This victory marks a watershed moment for New Zealand cricket. Winning an ODI series in India for the first time highlights their growing depth and tactical maturity, even without several first-choice players. For India, the defeat raises fresh questions around middle-overs control, fielding efficiency, and finishing games under pressure. While individual brilliance shone through, collective consistency proved elusive. As the ODI calendar intensifies ahead of major tournaments, both sides will take valuable lessons from this series — New Zealand gaining belief, and India facing timely reminders of the standards required to dominate at home.
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