This was the kind of deciding match that ODI cricket often squeezed between T20Is and Tests  desperately needed. Credit to India and New Zealand for producing a thrilling third ODI in front of a packed house in Indore, one that underlined the enduring appeal of the 50-over format.

Centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips powered New Zealand to a 41-run win and their first-ever bilateral ODI series victory on Indian soil, achieved despite a valiant 54th ODI hundred from Virat Kohli. It was only India’s fifth home series defeat in 28 series over the past 15 years, a reminder of just how difficult they are to beat at home -and how impressive this New Zealand achievement was, coming after seven previous unsuccessful tours dating back to 1988.

On the flattest pitch of the series, Mitchell and Phillips put on a commanding 219-run partnership after New Zealand were reduced to 58/3. Their centuries took the Black Caps to 337/8, a total that ultimately proved beyond India. The hosts’ chase faltered early, with three of the first four wickets falling inside the first 13 overs, leaving Kohli with a steep climb.

Kohli responded with trademark composure, scoring 124 while finding support from Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana, both of whom registered maiden ODI fifties. But once Kohli fell, India’s resistance ended, and they were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs. Zak Foulkes and Kristian Clarke claimed three wickets apiece to seal the series for New Zealand.

Earlier, India had made the perfect start after Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to field. Arshdeep Singh and Rana struck in their opening overs, removing Henry Nicholls and Devon Conway cheaply. Will Young showed brief intent with a fluent 30, but once he fell, Mitchell and Phillips took control.

Mitchell continued his outstanding record against India, scoring 137 off 131 balls with his usual blend of placement and power. Phillips, more measured early on, reached his century in 88 balls, finishing with 106. India’s bowlers briefly stemmed the flow, including a boundary-less stretch of 28 deliveries, but the pair kept the scoreboard ticking with sharp running and clever manipulation of the field.

Phillips survived an early scare when a top edge fell just short of Rana at square leg, after which he dialled down the aggression before accelerating again. Mitchell raised his ninth ODI century—his third in four matches—before both set batters fell in quick succession. India did well at the death, conceding just 55 runs in the final six overs, with Arshdeep and Rana picking up three wickets each. Mohammed Siraj was particularly impressive, finishing with 1/43.

India’s chase began shakily. Rohit Sharma was dropped early but fell soon after, while Gill, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul all departed cheaply. At 71/4, New Zealand had the upper hand. Kohli then steadied the innings, sharing an 88-run stand with Reddy, who made 53 off 57 balls in a mature knock. Kohli reached his half-century with minimal fuss, rotating strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries.

Reddy’s dismissal slowed momentum, and Ravindra Jadeja again failed to make an impact. Hope flickered when Rana joined Kohli in a rapid 99-run partnership, during which Rana thrilled the crowd with four sixes in a 41-ball fifty. Kohli brought up his 54th ODI century off 91 balls, but once Rana fell, the tail offered little resistance.

Siraj was dismissed first ball, and when Kohli edged Clarke in the 46th over, New Zealand’s historic series win was assured—a professional, disciplined performance that will be remembered as a landmark moment for the Black Caps.