In a valiant yet heartbreaking effort, Virat Kohli produced a masterful innings of 124 runs off 108 balls during India's chase of 338 in the decisive 3rd ODI at Holkar Stadium, Indore.
Despite early collapses that left India reeling at 71/4, Kohli stood tall as the undisputed anchor and aggressor, waging a near-lone battle against a disciplined New Zealand attack.
Kohli's knock was a classic display of composure under pressure. He reached his century in 91 deliveries with a calm single off Zak Foulkes on the final ball of the 40th over, featuring 8 fours and 2 sixes. His timing, placement, and ability to rotate strike kept India's hopes alive deep into the innings, even as the required rate climbed. He shared valuable partnerships, including a fighting
stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) and a spirited cameo from debutant Harshit Rana (52), pushing India closer before the collapse.
This century marked Kohli's 54th in ODIs (extending his own record) and his 85th across all international formats. But the defining milestone was against New Zealand: it was his 7th ODI hundred against the Black Caps (in 36 innings), surpassing legends like Ricky Ponting and Virender Sehwag (6 each) to become the player with the most ODI centuries vs New Zealand.
Even more remarkably, this ton took Kohli to 10 centuries against New Zealand across all formats (7 ODIs + 3 Tests), breaking a three-way tie with Jacques Kallis, Sachin Tendulkar, and Joe Root (9 each) to set a new world record.
Most hundreds vs NZ in Intl. Cricket
10 - Virat Kohli (73 inns)*
9 - Jacques Kallis (76 inns)
9 - Joe Root (71 inns)
9 - Sachin Tendulkar (80 inns)
Kohli's dismissal in the 46th over triggered India's slide to 296, but his heroic knock - a blend of elegance, determination, and record-breaking prowess - will be remembered as the highlight of a historic series. This was also New Zealand's first bilateral series win on Indian soil since 1988.
