INDORE, India — New Zealand made history on Sunday, clinching their first-ever bilateral ODI series victory on Indian soil with a commanding 41-run win in the deciding third match at Holkar Stadium. The 2-1 series triumph marks a watershed moment for the Black Caps, who had previously lost all seven bilateral ODI series in India.

The visitors, missing at least seven first-choice players, were powered by a dominant batting display. Daryl Mitchell scored a masterful 137 from 131 deliveries, while Glenn Phillips blasted a rapid 106 from 88 balls. Their 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket, the second-highest for New Zealand against India in ODIs, propelled the team to a formidable total of 337-8.

India's chase was anchored by Virat Kohli's record-extending 54th ODI century—a valiant 124 off 108 balls. However, despite a fiery 52 from Harshit Rana and a 99-run stand between the pair, India's innings crumbled under the mounting required rate. Seamers Kristian Clarke (3-54) and Zakary Foulkes (3-77) struck at crucial moments, with Mitchell taking the game-sealing catch to dismiss Kohli in the 46th over. India was bowled out for 296.

"It's always nice to contribute. To win here in India is special," said Mitchell, who was named Player of the Match and Series after amassing 352 runs across the three games.

The victory extends New Zealand's recent success in India, following a 3-0 Test series win in 2024. The focus for both sides now shifts to T20 cricket, with a five-match series beginning January 21 in Nagpur as vital preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.