Virat Kohli produced a masterclass under pressure, smashing his 54th ODI century as he fought a largely lone battle for India against New Zealand in the third ODI at Indore on Sunday.
Chasing a stiff target of 337, Kohli reached his hundred in 91 balls, striking 8 fours and 2 sixes, anchoring India’s innings as wickets fell regularly at the other end. It was a knock built on control, timing, and composure, with Kohli absorbing pressure while keeping the chase alive deep into the innings.
With this century, Kohli now holds the record for most ODI hundreds against New Zealand, taking his tally to seven, moving ahead of Ricky Ponting and Virender Sehwag, who have six each. The milestone was also Kohli’s 85th international century and his 41st hundred on Indian soil, further cementing his dominance in home conditions. He also became the batter with the most runs scored from the No. 3 position in ODIs.
India’s chase began on a steady note before early setbacks. Rohit Sharma fell for 11, while Shubman Gill was dismissed for 23. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul failed to provide support, departing for 3 and 1 respectively, leaving Kohli to hold the innings together.
Nitish Kumar Reddy briefly shifted momentum with a fluent 53, adding a valuable partnership with Kohli, but his dismissal once again exposed India’s lower order. Ravindra Jadeja managed only 12, after which Kohli found support from Harshit Rana, who played a fearless knock before falling late in the chase.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand posted 337 for 8, powered by a massive 219-run fourth-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. Mitchell struck a commanding 137, while Phillips counter-attacked with a blistering 106, completely shifting the momentum after the visitors were reduced to 58 for 3.
For India, Arshdeep Singh impressed with early breakthroughs, finishing with figures of 3 for 63, while Harshit Rana supported him with 3 for 84, extracting bounce and movement to trouble the New Zealand batters in the early phase.
Despite Kohli’s exceptional hundred, the lack of sustained partnerships proved costly, leaving India short in a chase where one man stood tall amid a collapsing lineup.