Clashes between India and New Zealand in the ODI arena have a habit of producing edge-of-your-seat cricket, packed with clever strategies and bold plays. The India vs New Zealand ODI 2026 battles grabbed headlines, forming a key part of New Zealand’s visit to India in 2025-26. This three-match India vs New Zealand ODI series wrapped up with a bang, as the Kiwis clinched it 2-1. The third game, played on January 18, 2026, in Indore, decided the outcome after a split in the first two. At Holkar Cricket Stadium, under lights, New Zealand posted a hefty total and defended it to win by 41 runs. Let’s unpack this decider, from the early jitters to the final wicket, while glancing at the India vs New Zealand ODI scorecard that tells the tale.

The buildup to this India vs New Zealand ODI series had fans on tenterhooks, drawing from a history of tight contests. New Zealand had shocked in the 2019 World Cup semi, but India often holds sway at home. The opener in Vadodara went India’s way by four wickets, chased down thanks to Virat Kohli’s 93. Rajkot’s second match saw New Zealand bounce back, winning by seven wickets behind Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 131. Tied 1-1, the stakes soared for Indore. Holkar’s reputation for high scores often over 300 hinted at a run-fest, though seamers could find help early.

Both sides tweaked lineups slightly. India, led by Shubman Gill, included Rohit Sharma, Gill, Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh. New Zealand, under Michael Bracewell, fielded Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bracewell, Mitchell Hay, Zak Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, and Jayden Lennox.

Pre-match talk centered on conditions. New Zealand’s batters aimed to handle spin, while their pacers targeted India’s top order. India sought early breakthroughs and a strong chase. The weather cooperated: clear, around 25°C, with dew possible later. The toss loomed large in this day-night setup.

Toss and New Zealand’s Innings

India won the toss and chose to field, banking on dew to aid their chase. New Zealand batted on a pitch offering bounce but promising runs once set.

Openers Conway and Nicholls faced Arshdeep and Rana. Disaster struck early: Nicholls bowled by Arshdeep for 0 off 1 ball, then Conway caught by Rohit off Rana for 5 off 4 (one four). At 5/2 after 1.1 overs, New Zealand reeled.

Young and Mitchell steadied, adding 53 before Young fell for 30 off 41 (five fours, one six), caught by Jadeja off Rana at 58/3 in 12.1. Mitchell and Phillips then unleashed, forging a 219-run stand that was the series’ highlight. Mitchell scored 137 off 131 (15 fours, three sixes), caught by Kuldeep off Siraj. Phillips made 106 off 88 (nine fours, three sixes), caught by Rahul off Arshdeep at 277/4 in 43.1.

Bracewell’s unbeaten 28 off 18 (one four, three sixes) added late fireworks. Hay lbw to Kuldeep for 2 off 6 at 286/6 in 45.2. Foulkes caught by Kuldeep off Arshdeep for 10 off 8 (one four). Clarke was bowled by Rana for 11 off 5 (one four, one six). Jamieson 0* off 0. Extras: 8 (b 5, nb 2, w 1). Total: 337/8 in 50 overs.

India’s bowlers: Arshdeep 3/63 in 10 (one maiden), Rana 3/84 in 10, Siraj 1/43 in 10, Kuldeep 1/48 in 6, Reddy 0/53 in 8, Jadeja 0/41 in 6. The attack toiled, but the Mitchell-Phillips duo dominated.

India’s Chase: Kohli’s Fight Amid Collapses

Targeting 338, India needed a solid start. Rohit and Gill opened against Jamieson and Foulkes. Rohit hit two fours in 11 off 13, caught by Clarke off Foulkes at 28/1 in 3.6. Gill’s 23 off 18 (four fours) ended bowled by Jamieson at 45/2 in 6.4.

Kohli anchored, but Iyer’s 3 off 10 caught by Foulkes off Clarke at 68/3 in 11.2. Rahul’s 1 off 6 caught by Phillips off Lennox at 71/4 in 12.5. Reddy joined Kohli for 88 runs; Reddy 53 off 57 (two fours, two sixes), caught by Young off Clarke at 159/5 in 27.3.

Jadeja’s 12 off 16 caught by Young off Lennox at 178/6 in 32.1. Rana and Kohli added 99; Rana 52 off 43 (four fours, four sixes), caught by Nicholls off Foulkes at 277/7 in 43.4. Siraj caught by Hay off Foulkes for 0 off 1 at 277/8 in 43.5. Kohli’s 124 off 108 (10 fours, three sixes) ended caught by Mitchell off Clarke at 292/9 in 45.4. Kuldeep run out by Phillips for 5 off 3 (one four). Arshdeep 4* off 2 (one four). Extras: 8 (lb 1, nb 1, w 6). All out for 296 in 46 overs.

New Zealand’s bowlers: Foulkes 3/77 in 9, Clarke 3/54 in 9, Lennox 2/42 in 10, Jamieson 1/58 in 9, Phillips 0/54 in 8, Mitchell 0/10 in 1. The shared attack overwhelmed India.

Mitchell’s all-round show earned him Player of the Match and Series (352 runs).

Third ODI Scoreboard

New Zealand Batting

India Bowling

India Batting

New Zealand Bowling

Standout Efforts and Turning Points

Mitchell’s 137 anchored New Zealand, his three sixes punishing loose balls. Phillips’ 106 complemented their 219-run stand, which was game-changing. Kohli’s 124 kept India alive, partnerships with Reddy (88) and Rana (99) fighting back.

Clarke’s 3/54 and Foulkes’ 3/77 broke India. Rana’s dual role: 52 and 3/84.

Pivots: Early NZ wickets, then the big partnership. India’s top collapse to 71/4, late rally falling short.

Rivalry Overview

India leads ODIs 60-50 in 118, but New Zealand’s away wins grow. This series echoed 2023’s 2-1 NZ victory. Mitchell’s series (352 runs) cements him. Kohli’s 124 pushes past 14,000 ODI runs. Youngsters like Rana and Clarke shine. Bracewell’s captaincy validated.

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Final Words!

The third India vs New Zealand ODI capped a gripping 2026 series, New Zealand’s grit triumphing in Indore. From early drama to stellar knocks, it enriched the rivalry. As cricket moves on, these moments linger.