New Zealand Clinch Historic ODI Series Win in India with Stunning Mitchell-Phillips Partnership

In a landmark victory, New Zealand outplayed India to secure their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil, despite a valiant 124 from Virat Kohli. The 3-match series, which had been tightly contested, ended with a flourish for the Blackcaps.

Chasing a challenging total, India struggled to contain the Kiwi middle order. New Zealand was initially under pressure, slipping to 5-2 and later 58-3 after electing to bat first. 

But the momentum shifted dramatically as Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips launched an authoritative counterattack, putting on a record 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Mitchell’s unbeaten 137 and Phillips’ 106 off 88 balls completely rewrote the innings, turning a precarious position into a commanding total of 337-8.

The early overs had seen Henry Nicholls bowled first ball by Arshdeep and Devon Conway dismissed for five by Rana. Will Young’s contribution of 30 was also swiftly curtailed before Mitchell and Phillips steadied the ship. After the dismissal of both centurions, Michael Bracewell added an unbeaten 28 off just 18 balls, accelerating the total further and leaving India with a daunting chase.

Despite Kohli’s masterclass of 124, India’s chase faltered under the weight of New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and mounting pressure. The Blackcaps’ tactical field placements and key breakthroughs at crucial moments ensured that India could never fully recover.

This series victory is particularly significant for New Zealand, who had previously never won an ODI series in India. 

The series now sets the stage for the upcoming five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

For Virat Kohli, the innings underscored his continued brilliance even in defeat, while Mitchell and Phillips’ partnership will be remembered as a defining moment in New Zealand’s cricketing history.