Virat Kohli’s ton in vain as NZ stun India by 41 runs to clinch series 2-1

Virat Kohli’s 54th ODI century powered India’s chase and briefly kept the hosts alive, but it ultimately went in vain as New Zealand beat India by 41 runs to clinch the ODI series 2-1. Despite Kohli’s resistance, India fell short in the tough chase of 338, handing the Kiwis their first ODI series win in India in a bilateral contest.

After Rohit Sharma’s dismissal in the fourth over, Kohli came in and took full control at the crease. But wickets continued to fall at the other end and Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul departed in quick succession. Forced to wage a lone battle, Kohli carried India’s hopes deep into the chase, but the target proved too steep as New Zealand mustered up their courage to seal a historic series victory.

India collapsed to 71 for four after giving up 337 for New Zealand for eight and never recovered despite Kohli’s record-breaking 54th ODI ton, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s 53 and Harshit Rana’s batting 52.

India were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs.

Zak Foulkes (3/77) and Kristian Clarke (3/54) took six wickets between them, while rookie spinner Jayden Lennox returned 2/42 from his 10 overs.

Earlier, Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106) hit tons to take New Zealand to a challenging score of 337 for eight in 50 overs.
Quick Points:New Zealand: 337 for 8 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 137, Glenn Phillips 106; Arshdeep Singh 3/63, Harshit Rana 3/84).

India: 2He made 96 in 46 overs (Virat Kohli 124, Nitish Kumar Reddy 53, Harshit Rana 52; Zak Foulkes 3/77, Kristian Clarke 3/54, Jayden Lennox 2/42).