New Delhi: India won the toss and opted to bowl first in the third and final One Day International against New Zealand here on Sunday.
New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs to clinch the ODI series, registering their first-ever bilateral ODI series win in India. Batting first, New Zealand posted a strong total of 337 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. In reply, India were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs.
India’s chase was anchored by a magnificent century from Virat Kohli, who scored 124 runs. However, the Indian middle order failed to provide support. The lower order fought back bravely, with Nitish Reddy scoring 53 and Harshit Rana contributing 52, but the effort was not enough to take the team over the line.
Earlier, New Zealand were set a target of 338 runs to defend. Their innings was built around centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, who scored 137 and 106 respectively. The duo helped New Zealand recover after early setbacks and steer the visitors to a commanding total.
For India, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana picked up three wickets each. New Zealand were reduced to two wickets for just five runs at one stage after early strikes. Devon Conway was dismissed for five by Harshit Rana, while Henry Nicholls was bowled by Arshdeep Singh without opening his account.
India made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Arshdeep Singh in place of Prasidh Krishna. New Zealand, on the other hand, fielded an unchanged side.
The three-match ODI series was level at 1-1 going into the final encounter, making New Zealand’s victory a historic achievement on Indian soil.
