New Zealand Script History, Clinch First-Ever ODI Series Victory in India

New Zealand’s growing reputation as one of the most adaptable touring sides in world cricket was reinforced once again as they clinched their first-ever ODI series win in India, completing a remarkable 2–1 comeback in Indore. Just over a year after securing a historic Test series victory on Indian soil, the visitors added another milestone, this time in the 50-over format, despite arriving with a squad depleted by injuries.

The series decider at the Holkar Stadium carried added significance. By winning in Indore, New Zealand handed India their first defeat in 14 home ODIs after winning the toss, snapping a long-standing run of dominance and underlining how far the visitors have come in mastering Indian conditions.

The foundation for New Zealand’s triumph was laid by Daryl Mitchell, who once again proved to be India’s most persistent tormentor. Mitchell struck his second century of the series, his fourth ODI hundred against India and his fourth in India, continuing a run of form that has repeatedly tilted contests in New Zealand’s favour. When he came together with Glenn Phillips at 58 for 3, New Zealand were in a delicate position. By the time Phillips departed, the match had swung decisively.

Their fourth-wicket partnership of 219 was a study in control followed by calculated aggression. Phillips, fluent and fearless, blazed his way to a 106 off 88 balls, while Mitchell anchored the innings with authority, timing and an almost unsettling calm. The stand propelled New Zealand to a formidable 337, a total that felt imposing even on a ground renowned for high-scoring chases.

India’s reply unravelled early. Reduced to 71 for 4, the hosts were immediately under pressure, particularly with Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya unavailable and uncertainty looming over the lower middle order. The chase threatened to fade quickly until Virat Kohli once again took centre stage.

Kohli produced a typically defiant innings, registering his 54th ODI century and dragging India back into contention. Along the way, he shepherded two young seam-bowling allrounders, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana, both of whom reached their maiden ODI half-centuries under immense pressure. Yet the asking rate never relented, and the risks required eventually caught up with India. Kohli fell with 46 still needed from 27 balls, ending the chase and marking only the fifth time he has failed to see a hundred through in 29 ODI chases.

His innings unfolded in clear phases. He began assertively, taking on the fast bowlers and racing through the early overs. As wickets tumbled around him, Kohli shifted seamlessly into a rebuilding mode, scoring steadily while protecting the tail. When the equation grew steep late in the innings, he launched a final assault, reaching his hundred in 91 balls as Rana matched him stroke for stroke. Once Rana fell, however, the chase rested solely on Kohli’s shoulders, and New Zealand sensed their moment.

The visitors’ bowlers delivered collectively rather than relying on a single standout. Kyle Jamieson set the tone early, using movement off the seam to dismiss a threatening Shubman Gill with a sharply jagging delivery. Jayden Lennox, playing just his second ODI, showed remarkable composure on a ground unforgiving to spinners, finishing with figures of 2 for 42 through intelligent variations and relentless accuracy. Zak Foulkes and Kristian Clarke claimed three wickets apiece, while Glenn Phillips filled in admirably with the ball in the absence of captain Michael Bracewell, conceding fewer than seven runs an over.

A decisive factor once again was New Zealand’s superiority in the spin battle. Lennox and Phillips combined to concede just 96 runs from 18 overs, while India’s frontline spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja were unable to exert similar control, leaking 89 runs from just 12 overs. As in the earlier match at Rajkot, New Zealand’s batters handled spin with confidence and intent.

Mitchell set the tone by charging Kuldeep early and launching him straight down the ground, ensuring India’s spinners were under pressure from the outset. With Jadeja introduced late, India turned to Reddy’s medium pace to stem the flow. Though effective initially, the tactic soon lost its sting as Mitchell and Phillips adjusted and accelerated through the middle overs.

After a measured start, the partnership shifted gears decisively, plundering 149 runs in 99 balls. Mitchell’s crisp, straight-batted punches through the infield and Phillips’ power hitting over the short boundaries left India searching for answers. New Zealand briefly threatened to push beyond 350 before losing wickets in clusters at the death, where Mohammed Siraj stood out with a superb spell of controlled pace and movement, finishing with 0 for 43 in ten overs.

On a ground where towering totals are routine — only Trent Bridge and the Wankhede Stadium have witnessed more 380-plus ODI scores — 337 always promised a contest. In the end, it proved more than sufficient.

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