### India and New Zealand Clash in Decisive Third ODI: A Series on the Line The cricketing rivalry between India and New Zealand has reached a thrilling climax as they face off in the third and final ODI of their series. India initially took the lead with a four-wicket victory in the first ODI held in Vadodara, where Virat Kohli's impressive 93 runs played a pivotal role. However, New Zealand bounced back in the second ODI in Rajkot, leveling the series with a seven-wicket win, thus setting the stage for a decisive showdown in the third match. Indian skipper Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first, a strategic decision aimed at leveraging the conditions to secure the series victory [https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2026/jan/18/india-wins-toss-and-opts-to-bowl-against-new-zealand-in-series-deciding-third-odi, https://www.indianeconomicobserver.com/news/3rd-odi-indian-skipper-shubman-gill-wins-toss-asks-new-zealand-to-bat-first-in-series-decider20260118131539]. ### Breakdown of the Series and Key Performances 1. **First ODI Highlights**: - India won by four wickets, chasing down a target of 301 runs. - Virat Kohli scored 93 runs, narrowly missing his 54th ODI century, and was instrumental in the chase [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3766363-virat-kohlis-stellar-93-seals-indias-victory-against-new-zealand, https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/virat-kohli-s-93-sets-up-india-s-nervy-four-wicket-win-in-1st-odi-against-new-zealand-1768190560409]. 2. **Second ODI Highlights**: - New Zealand leveled the series with a seven-wicket victory. - India struggled to maintain momentum, allowing New Zealand to capitalize on their performance [https://www.indianeconomicobserver.com/news/3rd-odi-indian-skipper-shubman-gill-wins-toss-asks-new-zealand-to-bat-first-in-series-decider20260118131539]. 3. **Virat Kohli's Milestones**: - Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest Indian run-scorer against New Zealand in ODIs, despite a quiet outing in the second ODI [https://www.indianeconomicobserver.com/news/virat-surpasses-tendulkar-becomes-highest-indian-run-getter-against-nz-in-odis20260114174445, https://crickettimes.com/2026/01/ind-vs-nz-virat-kohli-shatters-sachin-tendulkars-historic-record-despite-quiet-outing-during-2nd-odi-in-rajkot]. 4. **KL Rahul's Performance**: - KL Rahul also made headlines by scoring a century in the second ODI, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to achieve this feat against New Zealand [https://www.sportstiger.com/cricket/kl-rahul-slams-eight-century-averages-over-50-in-odi-watch, https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/kl-rahul-creates-history-against-new-zealand-in-the-odi-becomes-first-indian-wicketkeeper-to-score-century-1320226]. ### Statistical Overview and Key Metrics - **First ODI**: - Target: 301 runs - India scored: 306 runs for 6 wickets in 49 overs. - Key Player: Virat Kohli - 93 runs [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-new-zealand-first-odi-result-scorecard-b2898377.html]. - **Second ODI**: - New Zealand's victory margin: 7 wickets. - India’s batting performance: Struggled to maintain momentum after a strong start [https://www.indianeconomicobserver.com/news/3rd-odi-indian-skipper-shubman-gill-wins-toss-asks-new-zealand-to-bat-first-in-series-decider20260118131539]. ### Conclusion: A Series Defined by High Stakes and Record-Breaking Performances In summary, the India vs. New Zealand ODI series has been marked by intense competition and remarkable individual performances. **India's initial victory in the first ODI, led by Kohli's near-century, was countered by New Zealand's strong comeback in the second match.** The third ODI promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the series, with both teams vying for supremacy. 1. **India leads the series 1-0 after the first ODI.** 2. **New Zealand equalized with a decisive win in the second ODI.** 3. **Virat Kohli continues to break records, enhancing his legacy in ODI cricket.** 4. **The final match will determine the series winner, with both teams showcasing their strengths.** The outcome of the third ODI will not only decide the series but also further shape the narratives surrounding these two cricketing giants [https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2026/jan/18/india-wins-toss-and-opts-to-bowl-against-new-zealand-in-series-deciding-third-odi, https://www.indianeconomicobserver.com/news/3rd-odi-indian-skipper-shubman-gill-wins-toss-asks-new-zealand-to-bat-first-in-series-decider20260118131539].