Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell struck commanding centuries to propel New Zealand to 337/8 in the series-deciding third ODI, steadying the innings after early setbacks and keeping the momentum firmly in their favour.
India won the toss and opted to bowl first. Arshdeep Singh drew first blood for India by dismissing Henry Nicholls for a duck, before Harshit Rana removed Devon Conway for 5 off 4 balls. The visitors were left struggling at 5 for 2 before Mitchell combined with Will Young to steady the innings with a 53-run partnership. The stand was broken by a moment of brilliance from Ravindra Jadeja, who pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss Young for 30 off 41 balls, reducing New Zealand to 58 for 3.
Mitchell then found solid support from Phillips, and the pair added 219 runs for the fourth wicket, swinging the momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favour. Phillips played a fluent knock of 106 off 88 balls, striking nine fours and three sixes, while Mitchell anchored the innings with a composed 137 off 131 deliveries, including 15 fours and three sixes.
New Zealand crossed 283 before India struck back in the latter stages. Captain Michael Bracewell contributed 22, but the remaining batters failed to add significant runs as wickets fell at regular intervals, with New Zealand eventually finishing on 337/8 in their allotted 50 overs.For India, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana were the pick of the bowlers with three wickets each, while Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with one wicket apiece.