India Vs New Zealand Odi Series Result: Kiwis Seal Historic 2-1 Victory

New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs in the third ODI at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The visitors posted 337 for 8 before bowling out the hosts for 296. This result handed New Zealand a 2-1 series win, marking their maiden bilateral ODI series success on Indian soil after 37 years of attempts.

This India vs New Zealand ODI series result holds significance for South Asian cricket fans. It underscores New Zealand’s resilience against a dominant home side and highlights ongoing challenges for India in middle-order batting depth. The outcome boosts regional interest in upcoming bilateral ties amid packed calendars.

IND Vs NZ 3rd ODI Highlights

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat. They lost early wickets, slumping to 58 for 3. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips then forged a 219-run fourth-wicket partnership. Mitchell scored 137 off 131 balls with 15 fours and 3 sixes. Phillips hit 106 off 88 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes. Arshdeep Singh claimed 3 for 63, while Harshit Rana took 3 for 84. Mohammed Siraj bowled economically with 0 for 43 in 10 overs.

India’s chase started poorly at 71 for 4. Virat Kohli anchored with 124 off 108 balls, his 54th ODI century. He shared a 99-run stand with Harshit Rana, who made 52 in his maiden ODI fifty. Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 53. Kristian Clarke took 3 for 54 for New Zealand, and Zakary Foulkes grabbed 3 for 77. Jayden Lennox claimed 2 for 42. India fell short at 296 in 46 overs.

Key moments in these IND vs NZ 3rd ODI highlights included Mitchell’s aggressive play against spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. Kohli’s innings featured three phases: an explosive start with four fours and a six in his first 24 balls, a steady rebuild, and a rapid push to his century in 91 balls. New Zealand’s spinners outbowled India’s, conceding fewer runs in the middle overs.

New Zealand First ODI Series Win In India

This New Zealand first ODI series win in India came despite injuries to key players like Kane Williamson and Tim Southee. The visitors recovered from a 1-0 deficit after losing the opener. Their bowlers adapted well to Indian conditions, exploiting the hosts’ vulnerabilities.

Daryl Mitchell, Player of the Match and Series with 352 runs, praised his team’s composure. “They had a really good partnership and there was a lot of pressure, especially considering the nature of this ground, the surface and the size of the dimensions,” Mitchell said. “I was really proud of how calm the group stayed and how clear the plans were in terms of how we wanted to operate.”

The series began with India winning the first ODI by 45 runs in Dharamsala. New Zealand levelled in the second with a 76-run victory in Pune, setting up the decider. This triumph completes New Zealand’s ODI successes against all major teams in away conditions.

Virat Kohli Century Vs New Zealand

Virat Kohli’s century vs New Zealand was his fourth against them in ODIs. He scored 124, falling short in a chase for only the fifth time in 29 ODI hundreds where India won. Kohli rebuilt from 71 for 4, adding stands with Reddy and Rana. His knock included 11 fours and 3 sixes.

Despite the effort, Kohli could not prevent the loss. This performance adds to his tally against New Zealand, where he averages over 50. The century came amid questions on India’s batting order without regulars like Hardik Pandya.

Background

India entered the series as favourites after strong home form. They last lost a home ODI series to Australia in 2023. New Zealand, ranked lower, aimed to build momentum before the T20 leg. The tour featured three ODIs followed by five T20Is. Holkar Stadium, known for high scores, has seen more 380-plus totals than most venues.

India fielded six bowlers, trusting Reddy’s medium pace. New Zealand debuted Lennox effectively. The series highlighted emerging talents like Rana and Foulkes.