The IND vs NZ 3rd ODI is a series decider on Sunday at the Holkar Stadium.
Is New Zealand’s first-ever ODI series win in India on Sunday?
It sits just one match away. Already the series is locked at 1-1, and Sunday’s decider in Indore offers the Black Caps a chance at something they’ve never achieved. Almost 26 years running but winning a bilateral ODI series on Indian soil, it’s still a dream for the Black Caps.
The IND vs NZ historical record all-time favours Team India. New Zealand has toured repeatedly, won individual matches, and pushed India hard. But they’ve never won the series. That’s why the IND vs NZ 3rd ODI already creates its own weight.
Table of Contents
New Zealand’s Complete ODI Record History
We all know the numbers don’t lie. Here’s every bilateral ODI series New Zealand has played in India:
• 1995/96- India won 3-2 (5) margin
• 1999/00- New Zealand lost to India 3-2 (5) margin
• 2010/11- India won 5-0 (5) margin
• 2016/17- New Zealand lost to India 3-2 (5) margin
• 2017/18- India won 2-1 (3) margin
• 2022/23- New Zealand lost to India 3-0 (3) margin
• 2026- Currently 1-1 (decider pending)
Most successful Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori couldn’t crack it. Another superstar, Brendon McCullum, didn’t either. And unsung hero Ross Taylor tried multiple times. But Kane Williamson came close in 2016. All exceptional cricketers have left without this achievement.
The India-New Zealand bilateral series data reveal a striking trend. New Zealand’s last ODI win in India was in October 2017 at Wankhede Stadium. That’s nearly a decade between victories until Tuesday’s win in Rajkot. Daryl Mitchell’s brilliant 131 not out ended an eight-match losing streak and proved the current side can handle Indian conditions.
Holkar’s Perfect Record
The Holkar Stadium India ODI record is pristine. India has won all seven ODIs here:
• Apr 2006- Beat England by 7 wickets
• Nov 2008- Beat England by 54 runs
• Dec 2011- Beat West Indies by 153 runs
• Oct 2015- Beat South Africa by 22 runs
• Sep 2017- Beat Australia by 5 wickets
• Jan 2023- Beat New Zealand by 90 runs
• Sep 2023- Beat Australia by 99 runs (DLS)
The ground favors India completely. The square boundaries measure just 56 meters. And straight boundaries are almost 68 meters. Generally, it has a flat pitch. Scores regularly cross 300. India’s batters know every angle. The crowd provides relentless energy that’s a cherry on top.
The Rajkot Factor
New Zealand just dismantled India in Rajkot on Wednesday. Not a lucky win, but a proper beating built on smart cricket. Michael Bracewell’s side proved they belong.
Mitchell’s century showed New Zealand can execute under pressure. They handled India’s spinners, navigated the middle overs, and finished the chase with authority. The mystery of winning in India disappeared.
India’s position is trickier now. They’re expected to win at home, especially at Holkar, where they’ve never lost. Losing means surrendering two perfect records. The venue streak and their bilateral series dominance over New Zealand. That’s dangerous pressure.
Shubman Gill, still a relatively new captain, leads India. Bracewell captains New Zealand, chasing history. Can Bracewell, as the first Black Caps captain, win a bilateral ODI series in India?
Key Battles
Headlines will focus on Virat Kohli’s form or Rohit Sharma’s runs. But deciders turn on smaller contests.
- Mohammed Siraj vs New Zealand’s left-handers: His ability to move the new ball both ways might expose technical questions before batters settle.
- Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel in the middle overs: Their control can strangle innings. Get Glenn Phillips or Daryl Mitchell trying something rash, and India’s chances improve. Jadeja maintains a 4.36 economy, and Axar maintains almost 4.19.
- Glenn Phillips vs Kuldeep Yadav: Phillips attacks spin aggressively; Kuldeep has variations. Phillips maintains a 72+ strike rate against him in ODIs. Whoever wins this battle shifts momentum.
- Kyle Jamieson’s fitness: The bounce he extracts on Indian surfaces has caused problems for batters. If he fires alongside Zak Foulkes, New Zealand has genuine chances.
What will happen on Sunday?
New Zealand’s first-ever ODI series win in India is there for the taking. Everything suggests it shouldn’t happen. India at home, unbeaten in Indore, against opposition who’ve never managed this. The smart money goes in one direction.
But cricket ignores what should happen. Sometimes history becomes too heavy. Sometimes, underdogs find extra motivation. Perfection isn’t always maintained.
New Zealand believes after Wednesday. They proved it three days ago against this same attack, in front of similar crowds, under identical pressure. India believes their home record and Holkar’s perfect sheet provide insurance.
The Holkar Stadium, India’s ODI record either stays perfect or doesn’t. New Zealand can either make history or face another close call. It’s decided in 100 overs on Sunday, no matter what.
For the IND vs NZ 3rd ODI, check the BCCI website for match details. To watch live streaming, turn on JioHotstar and visit District.in to grab tickets. This one deserves to be witnessed, whichever way it goes.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.