The Kiwis recovered from an initial game deficit to achieve a commanding win in this series, even as Virat Kohli notched his 54th century in the final match.
This defeat not only secured New Zealand a 2-1 series victory but also marked a historic milestone — India had never experienced a home ODI series loss against the Kiwis.
It was a sobering evening for the host team, further emphasized by the commendable performance of one of their top contemporary batters in the face of challenges.
Earlier, Daryl Mitchell’s second consecutive hundred and Glenn Phillips’ explosive century propelled New Zealand to a formidable 337 for eight, despite early setbacks from India’s pace bowlers.
Mitchell (137) and Phillips (106) formed a crucial 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket that shifted the dynamics of the innings.
Steady and authoritative, Mitchell anchored the partnership while Phillips provided the necessary momentum, enabling New Zealand to accelerate after a cautious beginning.
India had controlled the game at one point, having reduced the visitors to 58 for three, but Mitchell and Phillips turned it into a competitive affair.
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, brought in for Prasidh Krishna, made an immediate impact by dismissing Henry Nicholls (0) with a spectacular delivery in the opening over.
Arshdeep (3/63) expertly shaped the ball away from the off-stump, catching Nicholls off guard, leading to an inside edge that crashed into the leg-stump.
Arshdeep and his fellow bowler Harshit Rana (3/84) bowled with precision, extracting just enough movement to keep New Zealand’s batters in check early on.
The visitors managed a mere 47 runs in the first 10 overs, losing both openers cheaply. Harshit dismissed Devon Conway (5) for the third consecutive time, inducing a catch in the slips with a well-placed back-of-a-length delivery.
Will Young (30) tried to break free with a six over deep backward point off Harshit but ultimately came undone.
Harshit ended the 53-run partnership between Young and Mitchell, with Young cutting hard to Ravindra Jadeja at backward point, where the Indian all-rounder made a comfortable catch.
Mitchell set the foundation for New Zealand’s revival by attacking Kuldeep Yadav early, launching him for a massive six.
In response, India’s innings started on a shaky note. Rohit Sharma fell early for 11, caught by Kristian Clarke off Zak Foulkes, and Shubman Gill was dismissed for 23 by Kyle Jamieson, leaving India two wickets down within seven overs.
Kohli quickly began to rebuild the innings with determination.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul failed to offer support, falling cheaply as India slipped to 71 for four.
However, Kohli remained calm, efficiently rotating the strike and punishing loose balls. His partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy (53 off 57 balls) revived India’s hopes, as they accumulated runs through smart placement rather than reckless shots.
Even as the required run rate climbed, Kohli maintained his aggression, reaching his century to a thunderous ovation from the Indore crowd.
Harshit Rana’s late innings cameo of 52 off 43 balls briefly ignited hopes, but the required rate proved too steep. Kohli’s dismissal at 292 for nine — caught by Daryl off Kristian Clarke — sealed India’s fate.
As New Zealand celebrated this landmark victory on Indian soil, Kohli exited to a standing ovation, his innings a solitary highlight on a night of collective disappointment for the hosts.
For the visitors, it was a moment to cherish — a historic series victory achieved through composure, strength, and confidence. For India, it serves as a reminder that home dominance can falter despite individual brilliance.
(With PTI inputs)
