Key Points
- Series Result: New Zealand won the ODI series 2-1
- Final Match Margin: New Zealand won by 41 runs in Indore
- NZ Total: 337/8 in 50 overs
- Top Performers: Daryl Mitchell 137 runs, Glenn Phillips 106 runs
- Key Partnership: 219-run stand for the 4th wicket off 188 balls
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
The ongoing ODI series between India and New Zealand has been won by the Kiwi team with a 2-1 victory after a spectacular performance in the decisive third match. New Zealand won the third match played in Indore by 41 runs, showcasing remarkable resilience and batting firepower to overcome India on their home turf.
Mitchell-Phillips Masterclass Rescues New Zealand
New Zealand posted a formidable total of 337 for eight against India in the third and final One-Day International cricket match, thanks largely to sensational centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137 runs) and Glenn Phillips (106 runs). The innings began disastrously for the visitors, who lost their first two wickets for just five runs in the opening two overs, with Henry Nicholls dismissed for a duck and Devon Conway caught for five.
The situation became precarious at 5/2, but Mitchell and Phillips then forged a magnificent 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket that completely transformed the match dynamics. Their 219-run stand off 188 balls featured calculated aggression, with Mitchell anchoring the innings and Phillips providing explosive power hitting. Both batsmen reached their centuries with impressive strokeplay, punishing the Indian bowlers during the middle overs and accelerating the scoring rate dramatically.
Late Order Contributions Seal Imposing Total
Following the dismissal of the centurions, New Zealand’s lower middle order contributed valuable runs to push the total beyond 330. The final score of 337/8 represented a remarkable recovery from the early collapse and set India a challenging target on a pitch that offered assistance to both pace and spin bowlers.
India’s Bowling Efforts in Vain
Despite early breakthroughs, India’s bowling attack struggled to contain the Kiwi batsmen during the Mitchell-Phillips partnership. The hosts managed to take wickets at regular intervals in the latter stages, but the damage had already been done by the record fourth-wicket stand. The bowling unit’s inability to break the partnership proved costly, as the runs flowed at over seven per over during the middle phase of the innings.
Clinical Kiwi Bowling Defends Target
New Zealand’s bowlers backed up their batsmen’s efforts with a disciplined performance to restrict India and secure the 41-run victory margin. The bowlers executed their plans effectively, taking wickets at crucial junctures and preventing India from building the partnerships needed to chase down the steep target.
Series Significance
This 2-1 series victory marks a significant achievement for New Zealand, who have now defeated India in their own conditions. The win in Indore, renowned for its passionate cricket fans and batting-friendly conditions, demonstrates the Kiwis’ ability to adapt and perform under pressure in subcontinental conditions. The series loss represents a setback for India ahead of upcoming international commitments and raises questions about their middle-order batting depth and bowling strategies in high-pressure situations.
