3rd ODI: India and New Zealand eye series decider with key milestones on the horizon; key details here

After New Zealand bounced back in Rajkot with a convincing seven-wicket victory to level the series 1-1, all attention now shifts to Indore where India and New Zealand will lock horns in the decisive third ODI.

Rajkot saw KL Rahul produce a masterclass with an unbeaten 112 off 92 balls, but New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and another dominant display from Daryl Mitchell ensured the visitors finished on the winning side. With the series finely poised, both teams head into the finale with momentum, milestones and history on the line.

For India, the match marks the final ODI appearance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli until their next assignment in July. Rohit is just 17 runs away from becoming the seventh opener in international cricket to reach 16,000 runs.

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Kohli, meanwhile, reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC men’s ODI rankings and has now registered at least one 50-plus score at 24 different Indian venues. However, Indore remains one of only four grounds in the country where he is yet to score a half-century.

Rahul has been in sensational form against the Kiwis, amassing 469 runs in 10 innings at an astonishing average of 93.8, including two centuries and a fifty. He will once again shoulder the responsibility of stabilising the middle order.

New Zealand will once again rely heavily on Daryl Mitchell, who has been a thorn in India’s side. The prolific batter has struck three centuries in his last four ODI innings against India in India, crossing 130 on each occasion.

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India boast a perfect record at Indore, having won all seven ODIs played at the Holkar Stadium. In 2023, they posted massive totals of 399/5 against Australia and 385/9 versus New Zealand at the venue.

Captain Shubman Gill is also nearing a personal milestone, needing just 70 runs to reach 3,000 ODI runs. He has scored centuries in both of his previous appearances at Indore.

Kuldeep Yadav, who endured a tough outing in Rajkot after conceding 82 runs for one wicket, will be keen to make amends. For New Zealand, Devon Conway will be a key player, having smashed a classy 138 off 100 balls at this venue in January 2023.

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With Gill chasing his first home ODI series win as captain and New Zealand aiming for a historic first bilateral ODI series triumph in India, the stage is set for a thrilling decider.

Match Details:

When: Sunday, January 18, 1:30 PM IST

Where: Holkar Stadium, Indore

Live: Star Sports Network and JioHotstar