New Zealand clinch the first ever ODI win against the blue jersey in Indian soil with 2-1. Kohli’s 85th international century couldn’t safeguard ODI title for them as India loss against the Kiwi’s by 41 runs in the third and deciding match.
Despite a valiant 124 from Virat Kohli, India were bowled out for 296 while chasing a daunting 338-run target. Half-centuries from Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana kept India in the hunt. However, the visitors’ massive total proved too much to overcome.
Daryl Mitchell clinch two titles under his name as the Player of the Match as well as the Player of the Series. He finished as the top scorer, amassing 352 runs in three matches at an average of 176.
“It’s really nice to contribute to the team. To win here in India is special. As a group, the way we built partnerships, it’s nice to be up there. I am trying to stay in the present and hopefully make the right decisions. I love playing for my country. All those years in domestic cricket helped me,” he said.
While Indian captain Shubham Gill stated, “After the first match, coming here 1-1, the way we played – disappointed. There are areas we need to look back, reflect and do better. (On the positives) The way Virat is batting is always is a plus. The way Harshit has batted in this series, batting at No. 8 is not easy. The way he stepped up and the way the fast bowlers bowled in this series was good as well,”.
Earlier the day, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana picked up three wickets apiece. However, centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips powered New Zealand to 337 after opting to bat. Mitchell continued his fine form with his second successive ton of the series, scoring 137 off 131 balls, while Phillips hammered 106 off 88 deliveries.
