The final match of the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand was played on Sunday, January 18, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. In this decisive match, Indian star batsman Virat Kohli scored a magnificent century, but he was still unable to lead his team to victory.
This was India's first home series defeat against New Zealand in ODIs. New Zealand had never achieved this before. After the final match of the series, Virat did something that he is known for. He gifted his signed jersey to Daryl Mitchell, who had scored a century in the second consecutive match, and hugged him. This gesture is being widely discussed in the cricketing world, and people are praising Virat Kohli's sportsmanship.
India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI Match
Daryl Mitchell snatched victory from the Indian team in both consecutive matches. In the previous match, he secured the win by scoring a century under challenging circumstances. Now, in the final match, even after New Zealand had lost two wickets for just 5 runs, he came in and scored another magnificent century, guiding his team to a formidable total. Thanks to Mitchell's innings, New Zealand posted 337 runs against India. In reply, the Indian team was all out for 252 runs. Despite Virat Kohli's brilliant innings of 124 runs, India lost the third ODI by 41 runs. Team India lost the three-match series 1-2. Mitchell laid the foundation for New Zealand's victory with his innings of 137 runs off 131 balls.
Most runs in India vs New Zealand ODI series
Daryl Mitchell and Virat Kohli were the top run-scorers in this three-match series. Mitchell scored 352 runs at an average of 176, for which he was named 'Player of the Series'. Virat Kohli scored 240 runs in the series at an average of 80, including a brilliant knock of 124 in the final match. In the third ODI played in Indore, Virat displayed a superb combination of controlled aggression and patience. He almost single-handedly carried Team India, playing magnificent drives and pull shots against New Zealand's tight bowling attack, hitting boundaries and sixes. But when Virat was dismissed, India's hopes also faded.
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