Series Decider Swings New Zealand’s Way After Record Stand at Holkar Stadium

New Zealand wrestled control of the series decider with a stunning middle-overs revival at the Holkar Stadium, riding centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips to post a commanding 337 for 8 against India and flip the momentum of a match that had briefly tilted the hosts’ way.

India’s decision to bowl first looked inspired in the opening exchanges. Under hazy Indore skies and with just enough moisture on offer, the new-ball pair of Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana struck early to leave the Black Caps wobbling. 

Devon Conway nicked off trying to feel his way into the innings, Henry Nicholls lasted just one ball before being trapped in front, and when Will Young fell for a scratchy 30, New Zealand found themselves 58 for 3.

Mitchell and Phillips Played Stunning Knocks

Mitchell, calm and methodical, absorbed the early pressure and began to rebuild with quiet authority. He trusted his defence against pace, waited for the spinners to err, and steadily opened up the field. Boundaries came through placement rather than brute force early on, but as the innings wore on, his range expanded. A crisp pick-up shot over midwicket brought up his hundred (137 off 131 balls).

Phillips, meanwhile, played the perfect counterpoint. After a watchful start, he turned ruthless against spin, advancing down the pitch to Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja with intent. His second ODI century arrived at a sprint, just 84 balls, and by then the crowd had shifted from anticipation to uneasy silence (106 off 88 balls).

Together, the pair stitched a record 219-run stand for the fourth wicket, dragging New Zealand from danger into dominance. What had threatened to be a sub-par total transformed into a platform for something far bigger.

India briefly found relief when Arshdeep returned late in the innings. He ended the marathon partnership by removing Phillips and struck again soon after, finishing with 3 for 63. 

Rana (3 for 84) matched that wicket tally but paid the price at the death as the ball disappeared into the stands. Michael Bracewell ensured the final overs hurt, launching a late assault to add an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls and push the total well beyond the psychological 330 mark.

For India, Mohammed Siraj stood out for his control, conceding just 43 runs for his solitary wicket. Still, the damage had been done in the middle overs, where New Zealand shifted gears and never looked back.

With India vs New Zealand series level at 1-1, India now face a steep chase against a New Zealand attack brimming with confidence. The Holkar Stadium has seen big pursuits before, but overhauling 338 in a series decider will demand a special effort.