New Zealand defeat India to secure historic ODI series victory

New Zealand scripted a landmark moment in Indore on Sunday, clinching their first-ever bilateral ODI series win in India after beating the hosts by 41 runs in the series decider. As reported by Dawn and BBC Sport, centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips proved decisive as the Black Caps wrapped up the three-match series 2–1.

After being asked to bat, New Zealand were rocked early and slumped to 58 for three, with India’s bowlers finding movement and intent. What followed turned the match on its head. Mitchell and Phillips rebuilt with authority, mixing composure with clean hitting in a commanding 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Mitchell led the charge with a career-best 137, anchoring the innings with calm control before accelerating late. Phillips, at the other end, played the aggressor, blasting 106 off 88 balls to push New Zealand to a formidable 337 for eight. The pair “drained the pressure from India’s attack and seized momentum completely.”

India’s chase promised drama. Virat Kohli, batting with trademark assurance, struck a sublime 124, registering his 54th ODI century and keeping hopes alive deep into the innings. Support came from Harshit Rana (52) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (53), but the required rate kept climbing.

New Zealand’s bowlers held their nerve. Zak Foulkes and Mitchell Santner delivered timely breakthroughs, while tight fielding squeezed India during the final stretch. Kohli’s dismissal, caught by Mitchell at long-off, proved the turning point. India were eventually bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, falling short despite Kohli’s masterclass.

The win capped a strong comeback by New Zealand after losing the opening ODI. Mitchell’s earlier century in Rajkot had leveled the series, setting the stage for a historic finale.

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell praised the side’s resilience, while India skipper Shubman Gill admitted his team “lost momentum at key moments.” Attention now shifts to the upcoming T20I series, but this ODI result will echo longer, a statement win on one of cricket’s toughest away stages.

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