Can India and New Zealand Achieve Milestones in the Series Decider?
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Synopsis
As India and New Zealand gear up for the decisive ODI match in Indore, both teams have milestones to chase. Can Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli achieve their personal records while leading India to victory? Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell aims to maintain his dominant form against the Men in Blue. Tune in for an exciting showdown!
Key Takeaways
- India's unbeaten record at Indore in ODIs.
- Rohit Sharma nearing a landmark achievement of 16,000 runs.
- Virat Kohli aiming for a fifty at a venue he hasn't scored at yet.
- Daryl Mitchell posing a challenge with his recent performances.
- Shubman Gill on the brink of 3,000 ODI runs.
Indore, Jan 17 (NationPress) Rajkot showcased the brilliance of KL Rahul, yet it was the superior bowling and prowess of Daryl Mitchell that allowed New Zealand to secure a decisive seven-wicket victory, leveling the series 1-1. The focus now shifts to Indore, where India and New Zealand will clash in the pivotal series finale.
In this match, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will take the field in international cricket for the last time until July’s ODI tour. Rohit is just 17 runs shy of becoming the seventh opener to reach 16,000 international runs.
On the other hand, Kohli has reclaimed the top position in the ICC men’s ODI rankings, having scored a 50+ in 24 different venues across India. However, Indore remains one of the four venues where he has yet to achieve a fifty.
KL Rahul stepped up once again with a stellar 112 not out off 92 deliveries, aiding his team to a competitive total amid struggles from other players. His record against the Kiwis is impressive, amassing 469 runs in 10 innings at an average of 93.8, including one half-century and two centuries. He is expected to deliver another impactful performance on Sunday.
Daryl Mitchell has been a constant threat to the Men in Blue, scoring three centuries in his last four ODI innings against India in India, surpassing 130 runs each time. The 34-year-old is determined to replicate his success to help secure a notable series win.
India boasts an unbeaten record at Indore, having won all seven ODIs played there. In their latest matches in 2023, they posted scores of 399/5 against Australia and 385/9 versus New Zealand.
Additionally, captain Shubman Gill is just 70 runs away from hitting 3,000 ODI runs. He has scored centuries in both matches he has played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore and aims to continue his form.
India’s leading spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, had a tough outing in the last match, conceding 82 runs in his 10-over spell while claiming only one wicket. He will be eager to bounce back in this crucial game.
For New Zealand, Devon Conway delivered an impressive 138 off 100 balls against India when the teams last met at this venue in January 2023, making him a key player to watch.
With so much at stake in this series finale, Gill has a final opportunity to win his first home ODI series as India’s captain, while New Zealand stands on the brink of securing their first-ever ODI bilateral series victory in India.
When: Sunday, Jan 18, 1:30 PM IST
Where: Holkar Stadium, Indore
Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV coverage and JioHotstar for live streaming
Squads
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Ayush Badoni
New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Nick Kelly, Josh Clarkson, Michael Rae, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Hay, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Jayden Lennox
Point of View
With both teams having much to prove. India aims to maintain its unbeaten streak at home, while New Zealand seeks its first bilateral series win in India. This match will be a test of skill, resilience, and strategy, making it a must-watch for cricket fans.
NationPress
17/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of this ODI match?
This match is the decider of the series, with both teams having a chance to claim victory and achieve personal milestones.
Where will the match be held?
The match will take place at Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
Key players include Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Daryl Mitchell, and KL Rahul, all of whom are in excellent form.
What time does the match start?
The match is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST on January 18.
Where can I watch the match live?
You can watch the match live on Star Sports Network and stream it on JioHotstar.
