New Zealand middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell delivered a batting masterclass in the third ODI against India at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Sunday, January 18. The right-hander produced a calm yet commanding innings, scoring a brilliant 137 off 131 balls to propel the Black Caps to a daunting total.

Mitchell once again proved a handful for the Indian bowling attack, expertly rotating the strike, building key partnerships and maintaining pressure throughout his stay at the crease. His innings came to an end when Mohammed Siraj finally dismissed him, prompting a light-hearted moment as he walked back to the pavilion.

Stationed near the boundary ropes, Virat Kohli shared a playful exchange with Mitchell, gently pushing him off the field in jest. This humorous gesture quickly caught the attention of fans and went viral on social media. The moment summed up Mitchell’s dominance across the three-match series, during which he tormented Indian bowlers with two centuries and a half-century.

Riding on outstanding centuries from Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, New Zealand posted an imposing 337 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Mitchell’s second century of the series was a high-quality effort, featuring 15 fours and three sixes.

He found excellent support from Phillips, who played an equally impactful knock of 106 off 88 balls, striking nine fours and three sixes. The duo took control of the middle overs, turning the momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favour.

Mitchell first added 53 runs off 66 balls for the third wicket with Will Young before stitching together a massive 219-run stand in 186 balls for the fourth wicket alongside Phillips.

Among the Indian bowlers, Arshdeep Singh was the standout performer, finishing with figures of 3 for 63. Harshit Rana also picked up three wickets for 84 runs, though the rest of the attack struggled to contain the aggressive Kiwi batting display.

India now face a stiff challenge, needing 338 runs to seal the series, with the three-match contest finely poised at 1–1.

Mitchell wrapped up the series with a staggering 352 runs in three innings at an astonishing average of 176 and a strike rate of 110.34. He struck 31 fours and eight sixes, becoming the third-highest run-scorer in a three-match ODI bilateral series. The innings also marked his fourth ODI century against India, taking his average against them to an impressive 74.1.

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