IND vs NZ 2026: India Stunned at Home as New Zealand Seal Landmark ODI Series Win in Indore

New Zealand beat India by 41 runs in the third ODI at Indore to clinch their first-ever bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil, finishing the series 2-1 after a dramatic contest.

Batting first at the Holkar Stadium, New Zealand recovered from early trouble to post a strong 337 for 8 in their 50 overs, a total that proved just beyond India’s reach.

India struck early after the toss, reducing New Zealand to 5 for 2 inside three overs. Harshit Rana removed Will Young, and Henry Nicholls ran himself out, giving the hosts a dream start.

That momentum disappeared quickly as Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips took control. The pair added a massive 219 runs for the fourth wicket, completely shifting the game.

Mitchell played the anchor role with a superb 137, while Phillips went after the bowling with a counter-attacking 106. India struggled for answers as the ball kept disappearing into the stands.

Despite some late wickets, including three for Arshdeep Singh, New Zealand crossed the 330 mark. It was always going to test India’s batting depth under pressure.

India’s chase revolved around Virat Kohli, who produced a classic ODI innings. Kohli scored his 54th ODI hundred, making 124 and keeping hope alive deep into the chase.

He found strong support from Nitish Reddy, who hit his maiden ODI fifty with a calm 53. Harshit Rana then surprised everyone with a fearless late cameo, swinging momentum back India’s way.

With 108 needed off the final 10 overs, India briefly looked ahead. The crowd sensed something special as Kohli began to find the boundary again.

The turning point came when Zakary Foulkes struck twice in one over, removing Rana and Mohammed Siraj. Suddenly, the chase fell apart, leaving Kohli with too much to do.

Kohli managed a few late boundaries but miscued one in the deep. India were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, falling short despite a brave fightback.