Match result graphic showing India 296 and New Zealand 337/8 in the 3rd ODI at Holkar Stadium, Indore, with New Zealand winning by 41 runs and Daryl Mitchell named Player of the Match and Series

India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI Result: Mitchell’s 137 Powers NZ to Series Win in Indore

January 18, 2026

Daryl Mitchell delivered a batting exhibition of the highest order as New Zealand clinched the ODI series with a commanding 41-run win over India in the third ODI at Indore. His majestic 137, backed by a brutal century from Glenn Phillips, proved decisive on a flat Holkar surface where India’s reply, despite a Virat Kohli hundred, fell short of the daunting 338-run target.

New Zealand Recover Early to Post a Mammoth Total

After winning the toss, India’s decision to field first seemed justified early on. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana struck inside the first two overs, removing Henry Nicholls for a duck and Devon Conway cheaply, leaving New Zealand reeling at 5 for 2.

Will Young attempted to steady the innings but fell for 30, and at 58 for 3, New Zealand were in danger of squandering the platform. What followed, however, was the defining passage of the match.

Mitchell–Phillips Stand Turns the Game on Its Head

Daryl Mitchell once again showed why he has been India’s biggest tormentor in this series. Batting with supreme composure, he absorbed pressure early before gradually shifting gears. Glenn Phillips complemented him perfectly, starting cautiously and then exploding once set.

The pair added a monumental 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket, dismantling India’s middle-overs plans. Mitchell’s innings was a masterclass in ODI pacing – precise placement early, calculated aggression later, and relentless punishment of loose deliveries. Phillips, meanwhile, unleashed his full range, particularly against spin, racing to a breathtaking 106 off just 88 balls.

India struggled for control during this phase. Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja found little turn or grip, while the pacers were forced into defensive lines. Siraj bowled economically but lacked support at the other end.

Late Acceleration Takes New Zealand Beyond Par

Even after Phillips fell in the 44th over and Mitchell soon after for a superb 137, New Zealand finished strongly. Michael Bracewell’s cameo and useful contributions down the order pushed the total to 337 for 8, a score well above par even on a batting-friendly Indore pitch.

For India, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana picked up three wickets each, but the damage had already been done in the middle overs.

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Kohli Stands Tall but India Falter Under Pressure

Chasing 338, India needed a fast and stable start but lost Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill inside the powerplay. Gill’s dismissal to Kyle Jamieson was particularly significant, as it stalled momentum just as India were beginning to accelerate.

Virat Kohli, however, was in sublime touch. Playing with authority and intent, he controlled the chase beautifully, reaching his half-century off just 51 balls. When wickets fell around him – Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul departing cheaply – Kohli held firm, finding an able partner in Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Middle-Order Resistance, But Required Rate Keeps Rising

Nitish Kumar Reddy played a mature innings, rotating strike effectively and picking his moments to attack. Their partnership revived hopes, but New Zealand’s disciplined bowling ensured the required rate never dipped comfortably.

Jayden Lennox was outstanding through the middle overs, conceding just 42 runs in his 10 overs while picking up two key wickets. Kristian Clarke’s three-wicket haul further dented India’s chase, removing both Iyer and Reddy at crucial junctures.

Kohli reached a deserved century – his 124 off 108 balls being a reminder of his unmatched chase pedigree – but the lack of sustained support meant the asking rate spiralled beyond reach.

Lower-Order Fightback Too Late

Harshit Rana provided late fireworks with a quickfire 52, briefly reigniting hopes, but once Kohli fell in the 46th over, India’s chase ended at 296 all out, falling 41 runs short.

What Decided the Match

Middle-overs dominance by New Zealand: The Mitchell–Phillips partnership completely swung momentum.
India’s inconsistent bowling plans: Too many boundary balls allowed once set batters took charge.
New Zealand’s calm defence under pressure: Smart field placements and disciplined lengths strangled India during the chase.
Lack of top-order contribution for India: Early wickets meant Kohli was always playing catch-up.

Series Verdict

New Zealand’s 2–1 series victory was fully deserved, built around adaptability, fearless batting, and smart bowling combinations. Daryl Mitchell was the undisputed star, finishing with 352 runs and earning both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honours.

For India, Kohli’s form was a major positive, as was the emergence of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana. However, concerns remain over middle-over bowling control and finishing power in high-pressure chases.

As the teams move on, New Zealand leave India with confidence and momentum, while India are left with valuable lessons ahead of tougher challenges to come.