Virat Kohli’s century goes in vain as New Zealand clinch first-ever ODI series in India

INDORE: Virat Kohli’s fighting 54th ODI century went in vain as New Zealand secured their first-ever bilateral ODI series victory in India with an impressive display at the Holkar Stadium.

Centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips helped New Zealand post a massive total, and despite Kohli’s heroics alongside Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana, India fell short by 41 runs.

India began the match strongly, putting New Zealand under immediate pressure. Henry Nicholls’ decision to leave his first delivery proved costly as the ball struck the stumps after an inside edge.

Just three balls later, Devon Conway edged Harshit Rana’s first delivery to first slip, leaving New Zealand reeling at 5-2 within seven balls.

The onus fell on in-form Daryl Mitchell to resurrect the innings, and he did so alongside Will Young, finding the boundary almost every over in the powerplay to stabilize the innings.

Although Rana broke the promising partnership with Young’s dismissal, Mitchell joined forces with Glenn Phillips to turn the contest around. Mitchell’s aggressive footwork against Kuldeep Yadav, including a six off the spinner’s first ball, set the tone.

By the halfway mark, Mitchell had reached another half-century, while New Zealand’s run rate hovered around 5 per over. 

Phillips, who had struggled initially, accelerated with boundaries and sixes, reaching his second ODI century off just 83 balls.

Despite Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj removing both centurions in successive overs, New Zealand had already built a formidable total. Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 28 at the end ensured the visitors finished strongly.

Chasing a massive total, India got off to a brisk start as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill found the boundary five times in four overs.

However, New Zealand struck early, dismissing both openers in the powerplay. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul added just four runs collectively, leaving India at 71/4.

Kohli, once again in superb touch, anchored the innings. He first steadied the ship with Nitish Reddy, who contributed his maiden ODI half-century, before being dismissed by Kristian Clarke.

Harshit Rana then joined Kohli to stage a thrilling fightback, with both batters hitting boundaries to delight the home crowd. Kohli brought up his century as India narrowed the equation to 108 runs from the final 10 overs.

Rana’s aggressive stroke play in the following overs kept India within striking distance, but Zakary Foulkes’ over ended his heroics and dismissed Siraj. Kohli tried valiantly but fell short, leaving India to concede the match by 41 runs.