Indore, Jan 18 (NationPress) Fueled by remarkable centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, New Zealand bounced back from a shaky beginning to set a formidable total of 337/8 during the ODI series finale against India at the Holkar Stadium in Indore this Sunday.

Tasked with batting first on a tricky two-paced pitch, New Zealand found themselves in a precarious position at 58/3. However, Mitchell and Phillips transformed the innings with an impressive 219-run partnership off just 186 balls, steering their team towards a strong total.

Mitchell, who was given a reprieve on one run due to a missed run-out by Kuldeep Yadav, appeared confident as he notched up his fourth ODI century against India, scoring 137 runs with the aid of 15 fours and 3 sixes. He now holds the record for the most runs by a player in a men’s three-match ODI series against India.

On the other hand, Phillips overcame a slow start—taking 37 balls to hit his first boundary—before accelerating to a brisk century off 83 balls, featuring 9 fours and 3 sixes. Although both fell quickly thereafter, captain Michael Bracewell contributed a quickfire 28 runs off just 18 balls, setting the stage for a challenging chase for India.

The innings got off to a dramatic start as Henry Nicholls fell victim to Arshdeep Singh, while Harshit Rana managed to dismiss Devon Conway for the third consecutive time in this series. Despite the early setbacks, Mitchell showcased his intent by striking boundaries and eventually reaching his half-century off 56 balls.

Mitchell continued his aggressive approach, lofting Kuldeep Yadav for a straight six and later hitting another off Nitish Kumar Reddy. Meanwhile, Phillips gradually found his rhythm, hitting a six off Arshdeep and following it up with two boundaries off Reddy to move into the 40s.

Phillips reached his fifty in 53 balls, while Mitchell brought up his second consecutive century in 107 balls. Phillips then shifted gears, scoring 79 runs off his next 47 balls without feeling rushed.

After both batsmen hit several sixes against Jadeja and Kuldeep, India fought back as Arshdeep dismissed Phillips with a wide cutter edged to the keeper, followed by Siraj removing Mitchell with a well-placed bouncer.

Kuldeep then trapped Mitchell Hay lbw, while Zak Foulkes fell attempting a reverse scoop off Arshdeep. Despite these dismissals, Bracewell cleared the boundary ropes effortlessly, ensuring New Zealand posted a challenging total in their pursuit of winning their first bilateral ODI series in India.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 337/8 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 137, Glenn Phillips 106; Arshdeep Singh 3-63, Harshit Rana 3-84) against India