With ODI series locked at 1-1, India seek to protect home streak against New Zealand
India have not lost a bilateral ODI series at home since March 2019, when Australia famously recovered from 0-2 down to win 3-2, clinching the decider in Delhi.
India have not lost a bilateral ODI series at home since March 2019, when Australia famously recovered from 0-2 down to win 3-2, clinching the decider in Delhi.
India began the series with a four-wicket win in Vadodara, though the victory came at a cost.
Gill’s omission from India’s T20 World Cup squad has added an extra layer of intrigue to the series, turning the ODIs into an important platform for the 24-year-old to reassert his credentials.
With this, India won the three-match ODI series 2-1, making a grand comeback with the white ball after being swept aside 0-2 in the Test series. This is India's 10th successive ODI series triumph at home.
Kohli, who struck a 120-ball 135 in the opening ODI to guide India to victory, carried that momentum into Raipur on Wednesday, bringing up his 84th international century and the 53rd of his ODI career.
“I think we had really good running between the wickets as well. You dream of these kinds of moments, to be able to have that kind of partnership. I really enjoyed it a lot,” he added.
Some sloppy fielding, catch drops and a poor spell of 8.2 overs by pacer Prasidh Krishna in which he conceded 82 runs, became the point of difference.
The incident occurred in the 22nd over of South Africa innings when Harshit was found to have gestured in the direction of the dressing room when he dismissed Proteas batter Dewald Brevis.
Kohli’s record-extending 52nd ODI hundred and Rohit’s brisk 57 had set the tone for India’s 17-run win in the Ranchi opener, although the bowlers were pushed deep into the contest by a spirited South African counterattack.
Few partnerships in Indian cricket have matched the depth and legacy of the Kohli–Dhoni era: mentor and apprentice, captain and successor, two contrasting personalities united by an unshakeable bond.
