Virat Kohli’s sublime century proved futile as New Zealand pulled off a remarkable heist, winning the ODI series 2-1 against India for the first time ever on their home ground. The finale at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede was a rollercoaster, ending with NZ home by six wickets.
Batting first, India recovered from a precarious 50/3 through Kohli’s virtuoso performance. His 131 included 12 fours and three sixes, bossing the spinners and pacers alike. Partnerships with KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya added meat to the score, pushing India past 300.
New Zealand’s response was audacious from the outset. Rachin Ravindra’s fluent 75 off 87 balls dismantled India’s new ball attack. Daryl Mitchell then anchored with an unbeaten 75, sharing vital stands with Latham and Glenn Phillips. Mohammed Shami and Siraj generated chances, but fielding errors cost India dearly.
What makes this win special is the context: New Zealand overcoming India’s home dominance, where they’ve won 90% of series. The Black Caps’ balanced attack—Michael Bracewell’s spin and Lockie Ferguson’s pace—kept India in check throughout.
Reactions poured in from across the cricketing world. Kohli called it a ‘team sport’ moment, while Latham dedicated the win to the traveling support. This series levels the playing field in bilateral ODIs, challenging India’s supremacy.
Looking ahead, India faces introspection on death bowling and middle-order fragility. New Zealand returns home as heroes, their stock rising globally. This matchup has set the stage for epic battles ahead, captivating fans everywhere.