Indore, Jan 18 (NationPress) New Zealand's captain Michael Bracewell celebrated a significant milestone after his team achieved their inaugural ODI series victory in India, expressing that becoming the first team to accomplish this historic feat is truly remarkable.

Outstanding performances from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, with scores of 137 and 106 respectively, propelled New Zealand to a formidable total of 337/8 on a challenging black soil pitch. They successfully defended this score, dismissing India for 296 in 46 overs, despite a commendable century from Virat Kohli, who scored 124 runs off 108 balls.

“Playing in India, in front of such passionate fans and against a top-quality team, is always a pleasure. To win a series here for the first time as a New Zealand team is incredibly special.

“We came prepared to showcase our skills and adhered to our successful strategies as a team, which allowed us to perform exceptionally well in these conditions,” Bracewell remarked during the post-match presentation.

He also commended Daryl Mitchell for his consistent performance and acknowledged the contributions of debut players during the tour. "As a group, we strive to collaborate effectively. Being a small nation at the bottom of the world, we aim to unite against larger cricketing nations,” he added.

“It’s truly rewarding to see young talent thrive, and having two debutants on this tour has been fantastic. Experiencing the immense crowds and the culture here is wonderful. Particularly, the debutants have performed remarkably, contributing to our success,” Bracewell elaborated.

Mitchell, who was honored as both Player of the Match for his impressive 137 and Player of the Series, emphasized the importance of partnerships in their victory. "It feels great to contribute to the team and particularly to achieve a win in India, which is very special. Our partnerships, especially with Glenn, were instrumental in our success,” he stated.

Mitchell and Phillips built a strong partnership, putting together a remarkable 219-run stand off 186 balls. “It’s fantastic to be out there with friends, immersed in the moment, and achieving our goal. Focusing on the present and making good decisions has led to our success,” Mitchell continued.

He also credited his domestic cricket experience for honing his skills. “Playing for my country means everything to me, and my journey through domestic cricket has shaped my approach and understanding of the game. I’m proud to be part of this team,” he remarked.

Jayden Lennox, the left-arm spinner who made a notable impact by taking two wickets, stated that this victory reflects New Zealand's increasing depth in talent. "Winning against a star-studded lineup and achieving back-to-back victories is something special. This series win is our first here, and it showcases the depth of New Zealand cricket,” he noted.

“I’ve kept things simple and focused on executing my skills. Bowling in front of such a large crowd, around 23,000 people, is exhilarating. Being part of a series-winning team is very special. Despite having an inexperienced lineup, we have significant talent back home, and it’s a testament to our development,” he concluded.