IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: Kohli’s Century in Vain as India Suffers Historic Home Series Defeat

Indore: India suffered a stunning 41-run defeat to New Zealand in the third ODI at Holkar Stadium, handing the visitors a 2-1 series win—the first time New Zealand has claimed an ODI series on Indian soil. Despite a valiant century from Virat Kohli, India’s batting faltered at key moments, leaving fans disappointed.

Kohli’s 85th International Century Not Enough
Virat Kohli scored a brilliant 124 off 108 balls, registering his 85th international century and 54th in ODIs. He found support from Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana, who contributed half-centuries of their own. Kohli and Reddy stitched together an 88-run partnership in 88 balls, while Kohli and Rana added 99 runs in 69 balls. However, India’s innings collapsed in the 46th over, with Kohli dismissed as the 9th wicket and Kuldeep Yadav run out on the same ball, ending India’s chase at 296 for 10.

Early Collapse Hurt India
India’s innings got off to a shaky start. Rohit Sharma managed only 11 runs, and captain Shubman Gill added just 23. Middle-order batters Shreyas Iyer (3) and KL Rahul (1) fell cheaply, leaving India at 71 for 4. Kohli and Reddy steadied the innings, but after Reddy’s dismissal, the lower order could not maintain momentum. Reddy scored 53 runs off 57 balls, hitting 2 fours and 2 sixes. Harshit Rana supported Kohli, reaching his 50 in 41 balls before being caught on a full toss. Ravindra Jadeja contributed only 12 runs, while India’s ninth wicket fell at the hands of New Zealand’s sharp fielding.

New Zealand’s Resilient Chase
New Zealand batted first, posting a formidable 337 for 8 in 50 overs. Early breakthroughs by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana had India on top, removing Henry Nicholas and Devon Conway in the first two overs, and Will Young for 58. However, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips resurrected the innings with a 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket, steering New Zealand to a commanding total.

Centuries from Mitchell and Phillips
Mitchell scored his 9th ODI century, hitting 137 off 131 balls with 3 sixes and 15 fours, his second consecutive century against India in the series. Phillips contributed 106 off 88 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes. Lower-order contributions came from Will Young (30) and captain Michael Bracewell (28*).

Bowling Efforts in Vain
India’s Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana claimed 3 wickets each, but Harshit conceded 84 runs in 10 overs, while Arshdeep gave away 63. Siraj took 1 for 43 in 10 overs and Kuldeep Yadav 1 for 48 in 6 overs. Despite individual efforts, India could not defend the total.

Historic Outcome
This defeat marks India’s first-ever ODI loss at Holkar Stadium, and coupled with series results, a rare blemish on home soil. Kohli’s efforts, including his record-breaking 85th international century, were unable to prevent New Zealand from seizing the series.