New Zealand middle order mainstay Daryl Mitchell presented a master class on hitting Third ODI vs India Sunday, January 18 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium. The right-hander’s impressive 137 off 131 balls anchored New Zealand’s innings as the visitors piled up 337 for 8 and put India under immense pressure in the series-deciding chase.
Mitchell’s knock was a mixture of composure, timing and controlled aggression as he repeatedly found gaps and punished loose deliveries. Once again, he proved to be difficult to dismantle the Indian bowling attack, building key partnerships.
Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips power New Zealand to 337/8
After New Zealand lost early wickets, Mitchell steadied the innings before accelerating with remarkable clarity. He added 53 runs for the third wicket first Will Youngabsorbing pressure and effectively spinning the shot. The innings really swung in New Zealand’s favor when Mitchell was joined by Glenn Phillips and the pair put together a massive partnership of 219 runs for the fourth wicket.
Phillips matched Mitchell’s intent with an equally devastating knock, hitting 106 off 88 balls, nine fours and three sixes. Together, the duo dismantled India’s bowling plans, aiming to dominate both pace and spin over the middle and death. Mitchell’s knock featured 15 fours and three sixes, highlighting his complete control throughout the NZ innings.
Viral Kohli-Daryl Mitchell light hearted moment goes viral
Mitchell’s dismissal came at the end of the innings when he was bowled Mohammad Sirajends a remarkable innings. A light-hearted moment occurred near the boundary ropes as he made his way back to the pavilion. Virat Kohli.
Close to the ropes, Kohli playfully pushed Mitchell towards the dugout, leaving both players smiling. The gesture was seen as a humorous acknowledgment of Mitchell’s punishment of India throughout the series. The exchange was quickly caught on camera and went viral on social media platforms, earning praise for the sportsmanship between the two elite rivals.
Virat literally pushes Daryl Mitchell off the field😠Us Kohli saab us😂 pic.twitter.com/LTDEAkchaA
— s (@yaayerhs) January 18, 2026
Also READ: Fans erupt as Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips hit crazy centuries in IND vs NZ 3rd ODI.
Indian bowlers are struggling despite the efforts of Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana
India’s bowling unit found it difficult on the batting-friendly Indore surface. While most bowlers struggle to apply sustained pressure, Arshdeep Singh He emerged as an outstanding performer, finishing with figures of 3 for 63. Harshit Rana He also chipped in with three wickets, conceding 84 runs in the process.
Despite these efforts, a lack of consistency in the rest of the attack allowed New Zealand to maintain momentum, particularly during the middle overs when Mitchell and Phillips were at their best.
With the three-match ODI series level at 1-1, India now face a tough task of chasing down 338 to seal the series. With the momentum in New Zealand’s favor and Mitchell already making his mark, the stage is set for a thrilling result in Indore.
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