New Zealand wins its first ODI bilateral series in India despite Kohli’s century

By Canadian Press on January 18, 2026.

INDORE, India (AP) — Virat Kohli’s century was in vain as New Zealand won its first ODI bilateral series on Indian soil with a 41-run victory in the third and final match on Sunday.

The Black Caps won the series 2-1 with Daryl Mitchell scoring 137 runs off 131 balls and Glenn Phillips hitting an 88-ball 106 as New Zealand reached 337-8 in its 50 overs.

In reply, Kohli led the Indian chase with 124 off 108 balls — his 54th ODI century — but the hosts were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs.

In the previous seven bilateral ODI encounters, New Zealand had never beaten India in India. But the Black Caps rallied to come from 1-0 behind in this series, after India won the first ODI in Vadodara by four wickets. New Zealand leveled the three-match series with a seven-wicket victory.

New Zealand secured the series on Sunday evening at the Holkar Stadium, despite missing at least seven first-choice starters in its squad.

Previously, New Zealand had also beaten India 3-0 in a test series here in 2024.

India captain Shubman Gill won the coin toss and opted to bowl. India had made one change with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh coming into the side for Prasidh Krishna.

New Zealand fielded an unchanged side.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

The Associated Press