India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI Highlights: ‘Chase Master’ Virat Kohli Slams Century But India Lose Historic Series

India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI Highlights: ‘Chase Master’ Virat Kohli Slams Century But India Lose Historic Series .The cricketing world witnessed a historic moment at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18, 2026. While the  Virat Kohli lived up to his reputation by smashing a magnificent 85th international century, it wasn’t enough to save the Men in Blue. New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs in a high-octane series decider, clinching their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil with a 2-1 margin.

The Black Caps, who had never won a bilateral ODI series in India in 11 previous attempts, finally broke the jinx. Despite Kohli’s heroic 124 off 108 balls, India were bundled out for 296 while chasing a daunting target of 338.

New Zealand’s Record-Breaking Batting: Mitchell and Phillips Show

After being invited to bat first, New Zealand found themselves in deep trouble early on. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana wreaked havoc, reducing the visitors to a precarious 5/2 in just the second over. Devon Conway (5) and Henry Nicholls (0) fell cheaply, and when Will Young (30) departed, the Kiwis were reeling at 58/3.

However, what followed was a batting masterclass from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. The duo stitched together a mammoth 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket—the highest ever for New Zealand against India in India.

• Daryl Mitchell: Scored his second consecutive century of the series, a brilliant 137 off 131 balls (15 fours, 3 sixes).

• Glenn Phillips: Played the aggressor role, smashing 106 off 88 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes).

A late flourish from captain Michael Bracewell (28* off 18 balls) ensured New Zealand reached a formidable 337/8 in their 50 overs

The Indian Chase: Kohli Against the Odds

India’s response was rocky from the start. Both openers, Rohit Sharma (11) and Shubman Gill (23), failed to capitalize on their starts. The middle order offered little resistance as Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul departed quickly, leaving India struggling at 71/4.

Virat Kohli, however, was playing on a different plane. Returning to the format he dominates, Kohli played an innings of pure grit and class. He found an able partner in youngster Nitish Kumar Reddy (53), and the two added 88 runs for the fifth wicket to keep India in the hunt.

Later, Harshit Rana displayed his all-round prowess by smashing a maiden ODI fifty (52 off 43 balls). His 99-run stand with Kohli for the seventh wicket briefly made an Indian comeback look possible.

Virat Kohli’s Milestone Moment

Kohli reached his 54th ODI century and 85th overall in international cricket. His 124-run knock was decorated with 10 fours and 3 sixes. But with the asking rate climbing and wickets falling at the other end, Kohli finally holed out to Daryl Mitchell off Kristian Clarke in the 46th over, effectively ending India’s hopes.

Full Match Scorecard: India vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI

New Zealand Innings: 337/8 (50 Overs)

Indian Bowling Performance:

• Arshdeep Singh: 10-1-63-3

• Harshit Rana: 10-0-84-3

• Mohammed Siraj: 10-0-43-1

• Kuldeep Yadav: 6-0-48-1

India Innings: 296 All Out (46 Overs)

New Zealand Bowling Performance:

• Kristian Clarke: 9-0-54-3

• Zakary Foulkes: 9-0-77-3

• Jayden Lennox: 10-0-42-2

• Kyle Jamieson: 9-0-58-1

The Road Ahead

While India will be disappointed with the series loss, the form of Virat Kohli and the emergence of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana as reliable all-rounders provide a silver lining. New Zealand, led by Mitchell and Phillips, has sent a strong message ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

The two teams will now shift their focus to the five-match T20I series, starting February 7, which will serve as a final tune-up for the mega event.