Virat Kohli’s valiant century could not prevent India from losing the final ODI against New Zealand, as the Kiwis secured a 41-run victory to claim their first-ever ODI series triumph on Indian soil.
Batting first at Indore, New Zealand posted a competitive 337 for 8 in their 50 overs. India’s reply fell short at 296, despite Kohli’s brilliant 124 off 108 balls, which included 10 fours and three sixes.
India struggled early in their chase. The middle order failed to capitalise on Kohli’s partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana, who contributed 53 and 52 respectively. Other notable innings included Shubman Gill 23, Rohit Sharma 11, and Ravindra Jadeja 12.
New Zealand’s bowling was led by Jack Falahee and Christian Clarke, who took three wickets each, while Jayden Lennox claimed two and Kyle Jamieson one.
The Kiwis’ innings began poorly, losing openers Henry Nicholls (0) and Devon Conway (5) cheaply. Will Young and Darryl Mitchell steadied the innings, forming a 219-run fourth-wicket partnership with Glenn Phillips. Both Mitchell (137 off 131) and Phillips (106 off 88) reached centuries, setting the platform for a formidable total.
Lower-order contributions included Mitchell H. 2, Falahee 10, Clarke 11, Blundell 28*, and Jamieson 0*.
Despite Kohli’s 54th ODI century and 85th overall in international cricket, India could not chase the target. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana were the most successful Indian bowlers, claiming three wickets each, with Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav taking one apiece.
