Kohli’s lone century in vain as New Zealand clinch historic ODI Series win in India

India fall short by 41 runs while chasing 338, despite Virat Kohli’s fighting 124, as New Zealand seal a 2-1 ODI series victory on Indian soil.

India’s attempt to chase a massive target of 338 runs began with a major setback, as the top order collapsed under pressure. The early wickets put the team on the back foot, and despite a valiant century from Virat Kohli, India could not recover, eventually losing the match by 41 runs.

The opening pair failed to provide a solid start. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 11 runs, while captain Shubman Gill continued his poor run of form and departed for 23. The middle order also failed to stabilize the innings, with Shreyas Iyer managing just 3 runs and KL Rahul dismissed for 1, leaving India in deep trouble.

As wickets kept falling at one end, Virat Kohli stood firm at the other. Displaying composure and class, Kohli anchored the innings and resisted the New Zealand bowling attack on a challenging Indore pitch. After settling in, he shifted gears and began punishing the bowlers with controlled aggression.

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Kohli found strong support from all-rounder Nitish Reddy, with the duo adding a crucial 88-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Nitish Reddy played a confident knock, scoring 53 runs, marking a key contribution in the chase. However, his dismissal once again exposed India’s fragile lower order. Ravindra Jadeja failed to make an impact and was dismissed quickly.

Kohli continued his lone battle, forming another important partnership with Harshit Rana for the seventh wicket. The pair added a rapid 99 runs off just 69 balls, putting pressure back on the New Zealand bowlers. Harshit Rana scored his maiden ODI half-century, making 52 runs, but his dismissal at a crucial moment changed the course of the match.

Virat Kohli reached his 54th ODI century in the final ball of the 40th over, completing the milestone in 91 balls. He went on to score 124 runs off 108 deliveries, including 10 fours and 3 sixes, before being dismissed in the 45.4th over. Mohammed Siraj was out for a duck, and Kuldeep Yadav was run out on the final ball of the same over, ending India’s innings at 296.

New Zealand registered a convincing 41-run victory and sealed the ODI series 2-1. The win also marked New Zealand’s first-ever ODI series triumph on Indian soil, making it a historic achievement.