INDORE: New Zealand Post Challenging 337/8 in Series-Deciding 3rd ODI Against India in Indore
In a high-stakes decider of the three-match ODI series at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on January 18, 2026, New Zealand recovered brilliantly from an early collapse to post a competitive total of 337/8 in their 50 overs after India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first.
The Black Caps were in deep trouble at 5/2 within the first two overs, with Arshdeep Singh dismissing opener Henry Nicholls for a golden duck in the very first over, followed by Harshit Rana trapping Devon Conway (5) edge to Rohit Sharma at first slip.
Will Young (30) provided some resistance in a 53-run stand with Daryl Mitchell, but Rana returned to remove him, leaving New Zealand at 58/3.
What followed was a game-changing 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips , one of the standout stands in recent New Zealand ODI history against India.
Mitchell smashed a fluent 137 off 131 balls (15 fours, 3 sixes) , his second consecutive century in the series showcasing impeccable timing and power.
Phillips complemented him perfectly with a explosive 106 off 88 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes), reaching his second ODI hundred and accelerating in the middle overs.
Their dominance pushed New Zealand past 280 with plenty of overs left, but India fought back in the death overs.
Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana each claimed three wickets, including the prized scalps of Mitchell (c KL Rahul b Arshdeep) and Phillips, as well as quick strikes against the lower order. Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with a wicket.
Michael Bracewell (c), unbeaten on 28 off just 18 balls (1 four, 3 sixes), provided a fiery late cameo with aggressive hitting, including boundaries in the final over bowled by Siraj (which leaked 10 runs, including four byes).
Zakary Foulkes (10) and Kristian Clarke (11) added handy cameos before falling.
Extras contributed 8 (2 no-balls, 2 wides, 1 bye, 5 leg-byes).
New Zealand’s innings progression highlighted their resilience: from a shaky start to a dominant middle phase, before a late Indian fightback restricted them below 350 on a batting-friendly pitch.
India now face a daunting chase of 338 to win the series and avoid a historic first ODI series defeat on home soil to New Zealand.
With stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul in the lineup, the Men in Blue will fancy their chances , especially given their unbeaten record at this venue in ODIs.
