The New Zealand Cricket Team defeated India in the third and final ODI by 41 runs. With that, the hosts won the series 2-1. This victory was a historic one for the Kiwis. Meanwhile, this defeat for the Men in Blue came with certain ‘firsts’.
The final game of the three match India vs New Zealand ODI series was played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. It was the hosts that won the toss and decided to bowl first. This would prove to be the wrong decision.
The Blackcaps lost both their openers in the first two overs, while another wicket fell right after the powerplay. However Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips were adamant on winning the game for their side.
The fourth wicket partnership of 219 runs is the second-highest partnership for New Zealand against India in ODIs. By the time Phillips got out in the 44th over for 106 off 88, the Kiwi scorecard read 277/4. Mitchell departed soon after, getting out for 137 off 131.
A strong finish by the lower-order, led by captain Michael Bracewell’s 28 off 18, New Zealand reached a daunting total of 337/8 at the end of their allotted 50 overs.
In response, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and captain Shubham Gill got out in the powerplay, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul departed for cheap, Ravindra Jadeja disappointed with the bat, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana scored fighting 50s.
The only standout in the Indian Cricket Team’s batting order was Virat Kohli, who scored a scintillating 124 off 108. However, this was not enough, as the Gautam Gambhir-coached team was dismissed for 296 runs, losing the match by 41 runs.
After winning the second and third match of this series, New Zealand snatched this series. This is the first time The Kiwis have won a bilateral ODI series in India. Having lost seven ODI series here, NZ finally won one here on their eighth attempt. With this, they have won an ODI series in all the 13 countries they have played one in.
The Last Time India Lost ODI Series At Home
But the question is, when was the last time India lost an ODI series at home. The Indian Cricket Team has been known for its dominance at home, especially since the 2010s.
Well, it hasn’t been that long since India last lost an ODI series at home. The amen in Blue’s last home series loss came just under the years ago, in March of 2023 against Australia. In fact India’ only two home ODI series losses in the past decade (before losing to New Zealand) have been against the Aussies, with the second one coming in 2019.
As a last point of disappointment for the Indian Cricket Team following this result, this is India’s first ODI loss in Indore. The national team, before last night, played seven ODIs at the Holkar Stadium, all of which they won.
This was India’s last ODI in the first half of 2026. Over the next few months, they will play five T20Is against New Zealand, defend the T20 World Cup at home, play in the IPL and then fine T20Is in England. Only then will come a three ODI series against the Three Lions, which will commence on July 14.
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