New Zealand batters Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips hit hundreds in a devastating partnership to set the stage for a 41-run triumph over India in their third one-day international (ODI) in Indore on Sunday, securing a 2-1 series victory – their maiden bilateral ODI series victory in the country.
The hosts faced a difficult challenge with a target of 338, and despite veteran Virat Kohli’s valiant effort of 124, they ran out of steam.
Before Kohli gave home supporters hope with an 88-run partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy (53), India got off to a shaky start and lost wickets frequently.
Reddy was dismissed by Kristian Clarke to slow down India’s run chase, and the necessary run rate rapidly increased. However, Kohli found another capable partner in Harshit Rana as the two accelerated.
Rana scored a quick 52 off 43 balls and Kohli reached a record-extending 54th ODI century, but Zak Foulkes’ crucial over ended India’s resistance.
Rana was tempted by Foulkes’ full toss, which Henry Nicholls caught at long-on. On the subsequent delivery, Mohammed Siraj’s edge reached wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay.
Two overs later, Kohli mishandled a stroke that sent the ball flying into Mitchell’s hands at long off, dealing the finishing blow.
Earlier, after being put into bat on a Holkar Stadium wicket famed for high-scoring games, New Zealand were struggling at 58/3. But Mitchell took the attack to the home team’s bowlers, and Phillips helped them add 219 in 188 balls.
Mitchell scored 84 in the first ODI and 131 in the second, hitting three sixes and 15 fours to reach his fourth century in India and a career-high ODI score of 137.
In order to prepare for the T20 World Cup, which will start on February 7 and be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the sides will next play each other in a five-match Twenty20 International series from January 21–31.
