IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: Virat Kohli’s century goes in vain, New Zealand defeat India by 41 runs and clinch the series 2-1

The third match of the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand was played on Sunday (January 18, 2026) in Indore. New Zealand won the match by 41 runs, securing the series 2-1. After losing the toss and batting first in Indore, the Kiwi team managed to score 337 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs. In reply, the Indian team could only reach 296 runs in 46 overs, resulting in a 41-run defeat. (Scorecard)

Virat Kohli’s fighting innings goes in vain

Although the Indian team failed to win while chasing the target, Virat Kohli’s performance was outstanding. Batting at number four, he faced 108 balls and scored 124 runs at a strike rate of 114.81. Besides him, Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 53 runs off 57 balls and Harshit Rana scored 52 runs off 43 balls. However, despite these contributions, the team could not win.

Zachary Fox and Christian Clarke take three wickets each

For New Zealand, Zachary Fox and Christian Clarke took three wickets each. Besides them, Jayden Lennox took two wickets and Kyle Jamieson claimed one.

New Zealand scored 337 runs
Earlier, powered by centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, New Zealand scored 337 runs batting first in the third and decisive match of the series at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, setting India a target of 338 runs for victory. Arshdeep and Harshit gave India a good start by dismissing both New Zealand openers with the score at 5. However, Will Young and Daryl Mitchell then tried to stabilize the innings with a half-century partnership for the third wicket. Harshit eventually broke this partnership. After this, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips took charge of the innings. They scored runs all around the ground, and the Indian bowlers were at a loss as to how to break the partnership. Daryl Mitchell and then Glenn Phillips went on to score centuries. This was Mitchell’s second consecutive century, while it was Phillips’ first against India. The pair forged a 219-run partnership off 186 balls for the fourth wicket, laying the foundation for a score of over 300 for their team.

Arshdeep Singh finally broke the partnership, dismissing Phillips. Phillips scored 106 runs off 88 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes. Siraj then dismissed Daryl Mitchell, who was out after scoring 137 runs off 131 balls, hitting 15 fours and three sixes. After the dismissal of these two set batsmen, it seemed that New Zealand wouldn’t reach 350. However, Michael Bracewell played a quick cameo of 28 runs off 18 balls.

The playing elevens for both teams were as follows:

• India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
• New Zealand Playing XI: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell (captain), Zachary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Christian Clarke, Jaden Lennox