India vs New Zealand Live Score

India vs New Zealand Live Score: NZ beats India by 41 runs despite Virat Kohli’s heroics (124). Daryl Mitchell (137)

Kohli’s 124 in Vain as New Zealand Seal Historic Series Win in Indore Run-Fest

Indore, January 18, 2026: In a high-octane decider at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, New Zealand etched their name in history by clinching their maiden bilateral ODI series victory on Indian soil. Despite a majestic 124 from Virat Kohli and a fighting half-century from rookie Harshit Rana, India fell short by 41 runs, handing the Black Caps a 2-1 series triumph.

The match was a tale of two massive partnerships and a stark contrast in finishing. While Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106) powered New Zealand to a daunting 337/8, India’s chase crumbled under the pressure of a mounting required rate, eventually folding for 296 in 46 overs.

The Kiwi Resurrection: Mitchell and Phillips Run Riot

New Zealand’s innings began on a shaky note after being put into bat. The Indian pacers, exploiting the early moisture, made swift inroads. Arshdeep Singh removed Henry Nicholls for a golden duck, and Harshit Rana dismissed Devon Conway (5), leaving the visitors reeling at 27/2. When Will Young fell for a well-compiled 30, New Zealand found themselves in a precarious position at roughly 58/3.

Enter Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. The duo staged a rescue act that transformed into a dominant counter-attack. They stitched together a record-breaking 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket, completely neutralizing the Indian spinners. Mitchell played the role of the anchor perfectly, reaching his century off 106 balls, while Phillips was the aggressor, dismantling the attack with his trademark power-hitting.

Phillips’ century came off just 83 balls, studded with 9 fours and 3 sixes. By the time Arshdeep finally broke the stand in the 44th over, the damage was done. A late cameo from Captain Michael Bracewell (28 off 18) ensured the Kiwis posted a formidable 337/8, a total that looked well above par even on the batting-friendly Indore track.

India’s Chase: Top Order collapse and Kohli’s Masterclass

Chasing 338 for a series win, India needed a blistering start. Instead, they got a nightmare. Rohit Sharma (11) looked good for a brief moment before edging one to the slips. Shubman Gill (23) and Shreyas Iyer (3) followed quickly, and when KL Rahul departed for just 1, India was staring down the barrel at 71/4.

It was left to the chase master, Virat Kohli, to keep the hopes alive. Walking in at number 3, Kohli looked in sublime touch from ball one. He found an able ally in young Nitish Kumar Reddy. The pair stabilized the innings, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Reddy impressed with a mature 53 off 57 balls, showing he belongs at this level.

After Reddy’s dismissal, the onus fell entirely on Kohli. He reached his 54th ODI century to a thunderous ovation, keeping the required run rate within touching distance. He found unexpected support from Harshit Rana, who played a blinder of an innings. Rana smashed 52 off just 43 balls, putting the pressure back on the New Zealand bowlers.

The Turning Point

With 60 runs needed off the last few overs and Kohli well-set, an Indian victory seemed plausible. However, the game turned on its head when debutant Kristian Clarke induced a false shot from Kohli. The dismissal of the former captain for 124 (108 balls) sucked the life out of the chase.

Following Kohli’s exit, the lower order couldn’t sustain the momentum. The New Zealand pacers, led by Zakary Foulkes (3 wickets) and Kristian Clarke (3 wickets), cleaned up the tail efficiently. India was bowled out for 296 in the 46th over, leaving the stadium in stunned silence.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s victory was built on resilience and clinical execution. Daryl Mitchell was rightfully named Player of the Match for his game-defining 137. For India, the defeat highlights concerns over the middle-order’s consistency, though the fighting spirit of newcomers like Reddy and Rana remains a silver lining.

The Black Caps will leave India with their heads held high, having achieved a feat that eluded previous generations of Kiwi cricketers.