Kohli heroics not enough as NZ win Ist ODI series in India

Mitchell, Phillips hit tons to set up a Kiwi victory, their first in an ODI series in India

- Samreen Razzaqui

Virat Kohli during the third ODI against New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday.

(PTI)

It is lonely at the top, they say. On a bustling Sunday evening in Indore, Virat Kohli’s hundred ~ his 54th in the format ~ unfolded in near solitude.

The loneliest figure in India’s 338-run chase was the most assured. But it ended ina 41-run defeat for India. The 2-1 series win is New Zealand's first in an ODI bilateral series in India.

While India’s chase unravelled through rushed decisions and broken partnerships, Kohli’s hundred held its shape. It was a reminder of standards being upheld and those who refuse to abandon them often being left to battle on their own.

For a brief period, Kohli had the support of another Delhi boy, Harshit Rana, who was operating on pure belief and intent. His 43-ball 52 was an innings that made it look like India were on their way to conjuring up one of their great rescue acts. Yet, it wasn’t enough to pull India out of the pits.

India needed 61 in the last six overs and all Kohli needed was a partner to hold the other end while he pulled off his magic chasing 338. Before Rana, Nitish Reddy (53) was an able ally before yet another miscued shot proved his undoing.