New Zealand secured their first-ever ODI series victory in India on Sunday, overcoming a valiant 124 by Virat Kohli to win the three-match series 2-1. The Black Caps posted 337-8 in Indore, thanks to a fourth-wicket stand of 219 between Daryl Mitchell, who scored 137, and Glenn Phillips, who made 106 off 88 balls.
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After slipping to 58-3, New Zealand’s middle order steadied the innings and set a challenging total for the hosts. Captain Michael Bracewell left the field with a calf injury and did not return, leaving Mitchell to lead the team and the bowling attack short-handed.
India fought back valiantly, with Kohli anchoring the chase in a 99-run seventh-wicket partnership with Harshit Rana, who scored 52. The in-form batsman struck 10 fours and three sixes in his 108-ball knock, earning a standing ovation after completing his 54th ODI century.
Despite Kohli’s heroics, the Black Caps’ bowlers held firm. Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox took 2-42, while seamers Zak Foulkes and Kristian Clarke claimed three wickets apiece. India was bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, handing New Zealand a 41-run victory.
Mitchell’s unbeaten performance continued his stellar series, following his match-winning 131* in the second ODI. Bracewell contributed an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls to help the Black Caps cross 330. India’s middle order provided resistance with Nitish Kumar Reddy scoring 53, but it was not enough to overhaul New Zealand’s total.
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The teams will now shift focus to a five-match T20 series, serving as a final warm-up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.