Kohli-Rana Fightback Falls Short as New Zealand Clinch Landmark ODI Series
Indore, January 18, 2026 – New Zealand made history by clinching their first ever bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil, defeating India by 41 runs in the series decider at the Holkar Stadium. After posting a formidable total, the visitors withstood a heroic chase led by Virat Kohli — whose century kept India in contention — and an important lower-order alliance that briefly threatened to tilt the match.
Blackcaps Set Up a Big Total
New Zealand elected to bat first and were bolstered by a destructive batting foundation. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips tormented India’s bowlers, forging a colossal 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket that set the platform for a commanding score. Mitchell went on to score a fluent century (137), while Phillips struck a brilliant 106. The visitors finished with 337 for 8 in their 50 overs, a total that proved pivotal in exerting scoreboard pressure.
India’s Rocky Chase
India’s top order collapsed early as New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack removed key batters in quick succession. At 71 for 4, the hosts looked bereft of momentum and in danger of conceding the match and the series.
Kohli’s Lone Stand and Counterattack
Into this storm walked Virat Kohli, who anchored India’s response with exemplary resolve. Kohli produced a magnificent 124 off 108 balls, his 54th ODI hundred, blending experience, timing, and aggression to keep India in the hunt. His innings featured precise footwork, intelligent running between the wickets, and calculated boundary hitting to counter the mounting pressure.
The 7th Wicket Revival: Kohli-Rana Partnership
With India teetering, Harshit Rana joined Kohli at the crease, and what followed was a crucial 98-run partnership for the seventh wicket that steadied the innings and threatened to unravel New Zealand’s advantage. Rana, typically more noted for his bowling, displayed stroke-making assurance, rotating the strike well and launching a handful of impactful blows against the Kiwi bowlers.
This stand injected fresh belief into the Indian chase. From being on the brink at 178/6, India began to rebuild, with Kohli accelerating and Rana complementing with intelligent shot selection — especially through the mid-wicket and over the infield — effectively reducing the required run rate. For a brief period, India looked well set to overhaul the target and snatch victory from the jaws of disappointment.
Turning Point and Series Defining Moment
The partnership ended when Rana was dismissed off Zakary Foulkes, a wicket that swung New Zealand back in control. Kohli persevered, but with the asking rate climbing and wickets falling at the other end, India eventually fell short at 296 all out in the 46th over. Although Kohli battled until near the end, the lack of support from the tail meant India could not complete the chase.
Series Legacy
The defeat marked a historic series victory for New Zealand — their first bilateral ODI series triumph in India and a landmark achievement in the context of their cricketing history. India’s uneven performance, especially in the middle overs, highlighted areas needing reinforcement ahead of future assignments.
Key Match Stats
- Match: 3rd ODI, India vs New Zealand, Indore — Jan 18, 2026
- Result: New Zealand beat India by 41 runs
- NZ Innings: 337/8 (50 overs)
- Daryl Mitchell: 137
- Glenn Phillips: 106
- India Innings: 296 (46 overs)
- Virat Kohli: 124
- Harshit Rana: 52
- 7th Wkt Partnership: 98 runs (Kohli-Rana)
- Series Outcome: New Zealand win 2-1 — their first bilateral ODI series win in India.
