New Zealand batters Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips have scored centuries in a devastating partnership to lay the platform for a 41-run win over India and seal a comeback 2-1 series victory in Indore.
A target of 337 left the hosts facing a daunting task on Sunday but the world champions ran out of steam despite Virat Kohli’s battling 124.
India started shakily and lost wickets at frequent intervals before Kohli gave home fans hope as he combined with Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) in an 88-run partnership.
Kristian Clarke removed Reddy to stymie India’s momentum and the required run-rate quickly climbed, but Kohli found another able partner in Harshit Rana as the pair stepped on the gas.
Kohli reached a record-extending 54th ODI century and Rana hit a whirlwind 52 off 43 balls, but a decisive over from Zak Foulkes broke India’s resistance.
Foulkes tempted Rana with a full toss which was caught by Henry Nicholls at long-on, before an edge from Mohammed Siraj carried through to wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay on the next delivery.
The final blow was dealt two overs later, when Kohli miscued a shot and sent the ball sailing into the hands of Mitchell at long-off.
Earlier, New Zealand had been struggling at 3-58 after being put in to bat on a Holkar Stadium wicket known for producing high-scoring games.
But Mitchell took the attack to the hosts’ bowlers and was well supported by Phillips as they added 219 in 188 balls.
Mitchell, who made 84 in the first ODI and 131 in the second, hit 15 fours and three sixes to post a career-high ODI score of 137 off 131 balls and record his fourth century in India.
“It’s really nice to contribute and to win over here. The way we built partnerships, with (Will) Young and GP (Phillips),” said Mitchell, who was named player of the series.
“GP is a mate, awesome to see him get a hundred.”
Phillips made 106 off 88 balls, also featuring three sixes along with nine fours.
The teams next meet in a five-match Twenty20 International series from January 21-31, a key part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup which begins on February 7 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
“After the first game, coming here 1-1, the way we played was disappointing. Lot of areas need improving. Virat’s batting and Harshit’s batting have been positives,” India captain Shubman Gill said.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/cricket/mitchell-phillips-eclipse-kohli-ton-as-nz-beat-india-c-21348892
