IND vs NZ 3RD ODI: The Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, suffered a 1-2 defeat in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. In the decisive match played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, New Zealand secured a 41-run victory, making history by winning an ODI series in India for the first time.
The visitors posted a strong total of 337 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 50 overs. In reply, India were bowled out for 296 runs in 46 overs. Despite a magnificent century from veteran batsman Virat Kohli, who scored 124 runs off 108 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixes, his effort proved insufficient to secure a victory for the Indian team.
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For India, half-centuries from Harshit Rana (52) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) briefly raised hopes, while Harshit Rana also tried to keep the team in control initially by taking three wickets. Harshit and Kohli shared a 99-run partnership for the seventh wicket, providing some stability to the team. Nitish Reddy was sent in to bat at number six and bowled eight overs, conceding 53 runs without taking any wickets.
After the defeat, Indian captain Shubman Gill became emotional. He said, “After winning the first match and then being 1-1 in the series, the way we played is disappointing. There are some areas where we need to think and focus on improving. Virat’s performance is always a plus point for the team. Harshit batted well, taking responsibility at number 8. Our fast bowlers performed well in the bowling department.”
Shubman also praised Nitish. He said, “He is being given opportunities, keeping the World Cup in mind. He will be given enough overs so that we can see which combination works for the team and what kind of bowling is effective for him.” After India lost four wickets for 71 runs, Nitish and Kohli steadied the innings with an 88-run partnership for the fifth wicket, in which Nitish scored 57 runs off 57 balls, including two fours and two sixes.
This series proved to be a shock for Indian cricket, as New Zealand, with their composed and aggressive batting, maintained pressure on India throughout the series and achieved a historic victory.
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