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Virat Kohli Slams 85th International Ton, India Chases 338 vs NZ

Virat Kohli scored his record-extending 54th ODI century, his 85th international ton, to keep India alive while chasing a target of 338 runs in the series-deciding third ODI. New Zealand posted a challenging total thanks to brilliant centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106). The match was marred by an injury to New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell, who sustained a left calf injury and is unlikely to return, with Daryl Mitchell taking over as on-field captain. The three-match series is tied 1-1 heading into this final contest in Indore.

Key Points: Kohli's 85th Century, NZ's 337 in Thrilling 3rd ODI

  • Kohli scores 54th ODI hundred
  • India chases 338 in series decider
  • Daryl Mitchell smashes 137
  • Glenn Phillips hits 106
  • NZ captain Bracewell injured
2 min read

3rd ODI: Virat Kohli slams 85th international ton and 54th in ODIs

Virat Kohli hits his 85th international century (54th in ODIs) as India chases 338 against New Zealand, led by Mitchell's 137 and Phillips' 106.

"Michael Bracewell left the field after sustaining a left calf injury and is unlikely to return. - New Zealand Cricket"

Indoor, January 18

Indian stalwart Virat Kohli slammed his 85th international century and 54th record-extending century in ODI cricket during the third and final ODI against New Zealand at the Holkarf Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Kohli reached the glorious landmark in 91 deliveries. After scoring his 54th hundred, Kohli now has seven (or more) ODI hundreds against five different opponents: 10 vs Sri Lanka, 9 vs West Indies, 8 vs Australia, 7 vs South Africa, and 7 vs New Zealand. This was also Kohli's 41st hundred in India.

Kohli's century came when India were chasing a tough target of 338 runs. His hundred has kept India's hopes alive in the do-or-die contest in Indoor against the New Zealand.

Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell sustained a left calf injury while fielding during the third ODI against India at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The development was confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on their social handle X. The NZC further added that Bracewell is unlikely to return for the remainder of the match, and Daryl Mitchell will be the stand-in on-field captain for the Black Caps.

"Michael Bracewell left the field after sustaining a left calf injury and is unlikely to return. Daryl Mitchell is standing in as on-field captain," NZC wrote on X.

Earlier, New Zealand posted a challenging score of 337/8 in 50 overs in the do-or-die contest against India in Indoor after being asked to bat first.

Daryl Mitchell smashed his consecutive century in the series. The right-handed batter hammered 137 runs off 131 deliveries, including 15 fours and one six.

Glenn Phillips played a superb knock of 106 runs off 88 deliveries, with nine fours and three sixes.

Towards the end, captain Michael Bracewell's unbeaten 28 off 18 deliveries, including four boundaries, guided New Zealand to 337/8 in 50 overs. With the ball, Arshdeep Singh (3/63) and Harshit Rana (3/84) scalped three wickets each for India.

The three-match ODI series is levelled 1-1, with India winning the first and New Zealand clinching the second.

Brief score: New Zealand 337/8 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 137, Glenn Phillips 106; Arshdeep Singh 3/63, Harshit Rana 3/84) vs India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan, this was an incredible match. Both Mitchell and Phillips batted brilliantly for NZ, but Kohli just has that aura in a chase. Hope Bracewell's injury isn't too serious.
P
Priya S
While Kohli's century is fantastic, our bowling was a bit expensive today. 337 is a huge total to chase. Arshdeep and Harshit got wickets but gave away too many runs. Need to work on death bowling.
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Rohit P
The stats are mind-blowing! 7 or more centuries against FIVE different teams? This man is a legend. Pure dedication and fitness. Hope he gets to 100 international tons!
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Michael C
Tough luck for the Black Caps with Bracewell's injury. Mitchell's back-to-back centuries have been phenomenal. Great series overall, very competitive.
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Kavya N
Yaar, what a match! My heart was in my mouth. Chasing 338 in a series decider and Virat delivers. This is why we watch cricket. Hope we can finish it! 🤞

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