New Zealand’s star batsman Daryl Mitchell continued his remarkable dominance over Shubman Gill-led India to boost his chances of the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings in the three-match ODI series. The 34-year-old brought up his ninth ODI four against India off 103 balls, adding to his knock with 10 boundaries and two sixes in the series decider at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
With this century, Mitchell surpassed former all-rounder Chris Cairns to become the second most prolific New Zealand batsman in hundreds against India, now behind only Nathan Astle, who has five. Currently ranked second (784 rating points) in the ICC ODI Test Rankings, the right-hander from Hamilton will be eyeing the No.1 spot held by India’s Virat Kohli (785 rating points) after another sensational knock.
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Mitchell, who was batting at No. 4, brought up his half-century by hitting a last-ball boundary in the 21st over off Kuldeep Yadav. He brought up his hundred in the 36th over, off 107 deliveries, and with plenty of overs to go, looked set for another big score. Second consecutive century, fourth against India and fourth on Indian soil, Mitchell reasserted his authority with a masterclass in controlled aggression and poise.
Earlier in the series, Mitchell set the tone with a classy 84 before producing a match-winning unbeaten 131 in Rajkot. The last hundred marked his second three-figure score in a row against India. Notably, his previous two innings against India on Indian soil were scores of 130 and 134 during the 2023 World Cup, further underlining his incredible record against the men in blue.
Again, Mitchell’s innings came at a crucial moment for New Zealand. After the early dismissals of Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, he entered with the Black Caps in deep trouble at 5 for 2. He showed great temperament and leveled the innings with a vital 53-run stand for third wicket alongside Will Young. After Young’s dismissal, Glenn Phillips joined him at the crease and the duo combined to command more than 140 partnerships.
Phillips bowled perfectly and soon after Mitchell’s landmark hundred tickled a fine ball down the leg side with a full toss from Harshit Rana to get to 150 runs.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
January 18, 2026