Kohlis Fighting Century Goes in Vain, New Zealand Makes History on Indian Soil

Virat Kohli carried the fight almost single-handedly, but his effort wasn’t enough to change the outcome. Despite Kohli’s 54th ODI century, India fell short as New Zealand, powered by destructive hundreds from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, defeated the hosts by 41 runs, clinching their first-ever bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil.
India put early pressure on New Zealand at the start of the match. In the very first over, Henry Nicholls and Devon Conway were dismissed, leaving the visitors reeling at 5 for 2. However, Daryl Mitchell took charge of the innings, rebuilding the New Zealand innings alongside Will Young. Even after Young’s dismissal, Mitchell and Phillips forged a partnership that turned the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
Mitchell began aggressively by hitting a six off Kuldeep Yadav’s very first ball, setting the tone for his innings. Phillips, starting cautiously at the other end, gradually picked up the pace. Together, they accelerated the scoring through the middle overs. Mitchell reached his ninth ODI century, while Phillips completed his second ODI hundred off just 83 balls. Even after both centurions were dismissed, Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 28 helped New Zealand post a formidable total of 337.
Chasing the target, India’s start was shaky. In the powerplay, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were dismissed early. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul also failed to make significant contributions, leaving India at 71 for 4. Once again, Kohli stepped up, batting with composure from the start.
He partnered with Nitish Reddy to steady the innings, helping Reddy achieve his first ODI fifty. Even after Reddy and Jadeja were dismissed, Kohli held one end firm. He later paired with Harshit Rana to inject life back into India’s chase. Amid the crowd’s excitement, Kohli completed his 54th ODI century.
With 10 overs remaining, India required 108 runs. Rana’s aggressive batting brought 40 runs in just three overs. However, a misstep in Jacque Faulkner’s over allowed the momentum to slip. After Siraj’s dismissal on the very next ball, the pressure mounted again. Despite Kohli’s determined efforts, a mistimed shot ended his innings, crushing India’s hopes of a comeback.
India finished at 296, handing New Zealand a memorable 41-run victory and marking a historic first bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil.