New Zealand defeat India to seal historic ODI series win

Indore: New Zealand delivered a combined all round performance to defeat India in the third and final ODI at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday, cli...

Indore: New Zealand delivered a combined all-round performance to defeat India in the third and final ODI at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday, clinching the three-match series 2-1 and registering their first-ever bilateral ODI series victory on Indian soil.

After being put in to bat, New Zealand suffered an early setback as both openers were dismissed with the score at 5. However, a commanding fourth-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips turned the innings around.

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips (Left) celebrates with his teammate Daryl Mitchell after scoring a century during the third ODI cricket match between India and New Zealand at the Holkar cricket Stadium in Indore on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP)

The duo added 219 runs off 186 balls, with Mitchell scoring a fluent 137 and Phillips contributing 106, as the visitors posted a challenging total of 337 for 8.

India’s chase faltered early with the loss of key wickets in quick succession. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul were all dismissed cheaply, leaving the hosts struggling at 71 and firmly under pressure.