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NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli’s magnificent and combative century, built with trademark resolve under rising pressure, ultimately proved insufficient as India slumped to their first-ever bilateral ODI series defeat at home against New Zealand, going down by 41 runs in the decider at the Holkar Stadium on Sunday.

Kohli’s 124 off 108 deliveries was a masterclass in controlled aggression and mental strength. The chase master once again took the responsibility on his shoulders, countering a disciplined New Zealand attack with crisp drives, well-timed pulls and calculated shots over the fence.

As wickets kept falling at the other end, Kohli stayed firm, refusing to let the chase slip away. However, once he was dismissed late in the innings, India’s resistance finally crumbled, with the hosts bowled out for 296 in 46 overs while chasing a daunting 338.

The loss not only sealed a 2–1 series victory for New Zealand but also marked a historic first — India had never before lost a home ODI series to the Kiwis.

It was a sobering evening for the hosts, made even more poignant by the fact that one of their finest modern-day batters had delivered a near-perfect response to adversity.

Mitchell and Phillips turn the game

Earlier, Daryl Mitchell’s second consecutive century and Glenn Phillips’ blistering hundred powered New Zealand to a competitive 337 for eight despite early strikes from India’s pace attack.

Mitchell (137) and Phillips (106) stitched together a commanding 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket, completely changing the course of the innings.

Calm and composed, Mitchell anchored the stand while Phillips provided the momentum, allowing New Zealand to shift gears after a cautious beginning.

India were firmly in control at one stage, having reduced the visitors to 58 for three, but the Mitchell-Phillips alliance ensured it remained a contest.

Indian pacers strike early

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, brought in for Prasidh Krishna, made an immediate impact by removing Henry Nicholls for a duck with a peach of a delivery in the opening over.

Angling the ball in before shaping it away, Arshdeep (3/63) beat Nicholls’ hesitant defence, inducing an inside edge that rattled the leg stump.

Arshdeep and fellow seamer Harshit Rana (3/84) hit the deck hard and found just enough movement to keep the New Zealand batters in check early on.

The visitors managed only 47 runs in the first 10 overs, losing both openers cheaply. Harshit dismissed Devon Conway (5) for the third straight time, drawing an edge with a back-of-a-length delivery that was safely pouched in the slips.

Will Young (30) tried to break the shackles with a six over deep backward point off Harshit, but the bowler had the final say.

Harshit broke the 53-run stand between Young and Mitchell when the former cut firmly to the right of Ravindra Jadeja at backward point, where the Indian all-rounder held on comfortably.

Mitchell then set the tone for New Zealand’s recovery by taking on Kuldeep Yadav early, launching the left-arm wrist-spinner for a towering six.

Kohli fights but India fall short

In reply, India’s chase began on a shaky note. Rohit Sharma fell early for 11, caught by Kristian Clarke off Zak Foulkes, while Shubman Gill was dismissed for 23 by Kyle Jamieson, leaving India two down inside seven overs.

Kohli immediately took charge of the rebuild.

Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul failed to provide stability, departing cheaply as India slipped to 71 for four.

Unfazed, Kohli rotated strike smartly and punished anything loose. His partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy (53 off 57 balls) briefly revived India’s hopes, with the duo adding runs through placement and patience rather than reckless hitting.

Even as the required rate climbed, Kohli continued to pick his moments, eventually bringing up a superb century that drew loud applause from the Indore crowd.

Harshit Rana’s late cameo of 52 off 43 balls briefly reignited belief, but the asking rate remained too steep. Kohli’s dismissal at 292 for nine — caught by Daryl Mitchell off Kristian Clarke — effectively sealed India’s fate.

As New Zealand celebrated a landmark triumph on Indian soil, Kohli walked back to a standing ovation, his innings standing out as a lone beacon on an otherwise disappointing night for the hosts.

For the visitors, it was a moment to cherish — a historic series win achieved through composure, power and belief. For India, it served as a reminder that even home dominance can be undone, despite individual brilliance.

(With PTI Inputs)