India lose decider by 41 runs, hand NZ first-ever bilateral series win at home
Indore: Virat Kohli’s magnificent, combative century, forged with trademark resolve under mounting pressure, proved heartbreakingly insufficient as India slumped to their first-ever bilateral ODI series defeat at home against New Zealand, losing the decider by 41 runs at the Holkar Stadium here on Sunday.
Kohli’s 124 off 108 balls was a study in controlled aggression and steely temperament. The chase master shouldered the responsibility almost single-handedly, counter-punching a disciplined New Zealand attack with crisp drives, well-judged pulls and calculated risks over the ropes.
As wickets tumbled regularly at the other end, Kohli dug in, refusing to let the chase drift away, but once he fell late in the innings, India’s resistance finally collapsed at 296 in 46 overs while chasing a stiff 338.
The defeat not only handed New Zealand a 2-1 series win but also marked a historic first — India had never before lost a home ODI series to the Kiwis.
Earlier, Daryl Mitchell’s second consecutive hundred and Glenn Phillips’ blistering century powered New Zealand to a competitive 337 for eight despite early jolts from India’s pace attack.
Mitchell (137) and Phillips (106) stitched together a 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket that turned the innings on its head.
Kohli’s 54th ODI ton in vain
