
Sun Jan 18 10:10:00 UTC 2026: # New Zealand Sets India a Challenging 338-Run Target in Decisive 3rd ODI
The Story:
New Zealand has set India a target of 338 runs in the crucial third and final ODI match being played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18, 2026. After losing the toss and being put in to bat, New Zealand recovered from an early collapse to post a formidable total, thanks to centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137 runs) and Glenn Phillips (106 runs). The series is currently tied at 1-1, with India winning the first ODI and New Zealand winning the second. The winner of this match will clinch the series.
Key Points:
- The third ODI between India and New Zealand is being played in Indore on January 18, 2026.
- New Zealand scored 337/8 after batting first.
- Daryl Mitchell scored 137 runs off 131 balls, including 15 fours and 3 sixes.
- Glenn Phillips contributed with 106 runs off 88 balls, hitting 9 fours and 3 sixes.
- Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana took three wickets each for India.
- India won the first ODI in Vadodara by four wickets, while New Zealand won the second ODI in Rajkot by seven wickets.
- Shubman Gill is captaining the Indian side for this match.
- Earlier in the day, there was focus on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
- The U19 World Cup is ongoing with India defeating Bangladesh and Sri Lanka winning another match.
Key Takeaways:
- New Zealand’s strong batting performance, particularly the Mitchell-Phillips partnership, puts India under pressure to chase a high score.
- The series is on the line, making this a high-stakes match for both teams.
- India’s bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, managed to take wickets but couldn’t prevent New Zealand from reaching a substantial total.
- The focus on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli before the match suggests their performance is being closely watched and considered crucial to India’s chances of success.