Series Overview
The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand was played in India from January 11 to January 18, 2026. The contests were high-scoring, competitive, and filled with standout individual performances — ultimately resulting in a historic series victory for New Zealand on Indian soil.
Match 1 – India Take Early Lead
The series opened in Vadodara on January 11. New Zealand posted a strong total of 300/8, powered by good contributions from Daryl Mitchell and Henry Nicholls. In reply, India chased it down, finishing on 306/6 with six balls to spare. Captain Virat Kohli’s 93 was the standout innings, anchoring India’s response alongside Shubman Gill’s useful 56. This gave India a 1-0 lead in the series.
Match 2 – NZ Fight Back
The second ODI in Rajkot on January 14 saw a brilliant fightback from New Zealand. Daryl Mitchell delivered a match-winning 131 off 117* while Will Young (87) supported him superbly. India posted 284/7, including KL Rahul’s century, but New Zealand chased it successfully, reaching 286/3 with 15 balls to spare. That leveled the series 1-1 and shifted momentum in the Black Caps’ favour.
Match 3 – NZ Complete Historic Win
The decider in Indore on January 18 was a thrilling high-scoring encounter. New Zealand piled up a daunting 337/8, with both Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106) scoring centuries. India fought hard in the chase — highlighted by Virat Kohli’s brilliant 124 — but were eventually bowled out for 296, losing the match by 41 runs. With this victory, New Zealand won the ODI series 2-1, marking one of their rare bilateral series wins in India and a significant achievement for the touring side.
Players Who Shone
For India:
Virat Kohli – Led the line with excellent batting, scoring big in both victories, including a century in the series decider.
Kohli’s leadership and run-making was one of the bright spots, though losses in crucial moments dampened India’s overall campaign.
For New Zealand:
Daryl Mitchell – The standout performer of the series, with big hundreds that turned games in NZ’s favour.
Will Young and Glenn Phillips also made significant contributions, especially in the second and third ODIs.
What This Series Means
New Zealand’s series win in India is notable because visiting teams historically struggle to win bilateral ODI series in Indian conditions.
India’s bowling — especially in the middle overs — came under scrutiny after failing to defend large totals in the last two games.
The series was an important build-up to the ODI white-ball calendar ahead of major ICC events in 2026.
