INDvsNZ 3rd ODI: Daryl Mitchell Nears Century as NZ Dominate India
Daryl Mitchell powers towards ton while Glenn Phillips supports as New Zealand build big total in series decider.
The third and final ODI between India and New Zealand at Holkar Stadium in Indore has turned into a dominant display by the visitors, with Daryl Mitchell once again proving a nightmare for the Indian bowlers. Fresh off an unbeaten century in the second ODI that leveled the series 1-1, Mitchell is closing in on another hundred, frustrating the hosts with his composed aggression. India, opting to bowl first after winning the toss, struck early through Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana but have since struggled to contain the middle-order partnership.
New Zealand lost openers Henry Nicholls (golden duck) and Devon Conway cheaply, followed by Will Young, reducing them to 3 down. However, Mitchell steadied the ship with a solid half-century, accelerating as the innings progressed. His partnership with Glenn Phillips has flourished, with both batters completing fifties and pushing the score beyond 190 in the mid-30s overs. The duo has countered India’s spin and pace attack effectively, finding boundaries regularly and rotating strike smartly on a pitch that has offered some assistance to bowlers early on.
India’s bowlers, including Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and the pacers, have appeared clueless against Mitchell’s calculated play, especially his handling of spin. Despite occasional tight overs and a few close calls, the run rate has climbed steadily, putting pressure on captain Shubman Gill’s side. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and the rest of the batting lineup will now face a challenging chase if New Zealand post a formidable total, with Mitchell eyeing back-to-back tons against India.
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This series decider carries extra significance as both teams gear up for future challenges, including the T20 World Cup later in 2026. New Zealand’s resurgence in the middle overs highlights their growing confidence in Indian conditions, where they have historically struggled. Mitchell’s form—multiple big scores against India recently—continues to be the difference-maker. Fans are on edge as the match heads into its crucial phase, with India desperately needing wickets to turn the tide.
As play continues, all eyes remain on whether Mitchell completes his century and how high New Zealand can go. India’s home dominance in ODIs is at stake in this high-stakes encounter.
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