IND Vs NZ 3rd ODI Updates: Harshit once again destroyed the Kiwi top order, got support from Arshdeep; New Zealand at 119/3 in 25 overs

IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: In the third ODI being played at Holkar Stadium in Indore, Indian fast bowlers once again took control of the match with the new ball. After winning the toss, India decided to bowl first and Harshit Rana justified this trust and shook the Kiwi top order. New Zealand’s start faltered due to Arshdeep Singh’s solid spell and after 25 overs the score remained at 119/3.

In the powerplay itself, Harshit Rana troubled the batsmen with his sharp length and bounce. Opener Devon Conway couldn’t last long—a loose drive cost him dearly and he returned with a catch in the safe hands of Rohit Sharma. Soon after, Will Young tried to show restraint, but the combined fielding of Rana-Jadeja stopped him too. Young was out after scoring 30 runs in 41 balls, which included 5 fours and 1 six—but could not lay the foundation of a big innings.

From the other end, Arshdeep Singh maintained the pressure with line-length. His swing and cutters restricted the run-flow and Henry Nicholls returned to the pavilion without opening the account. After the fall of the first three wickets, the onus fell on Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips to hold New Zealand together—both of whom carried the innings forward while balancing risk and wisdom.

Mitchell once again displayed his reliable ODI temperament. He focused on playing the ball late and finding gaps, thereby maintaining strike rotation. At the time of writing, Mitchell was unbeaten on 69 (77 balls) in around 25 overs—his innings included 7 fours and 2 sixes. Phillips, on the other hand, played the role of anchor and managed to settle for 26 (38 balls) while avoiding big shots. The partnership between the two gave New Zealand stability, but the run rate still remained under control.

Discipline was clearly visible in Indian bowling. Using spin in the middle overs, the captain introduced Ravindra Jadeja at the right time, due to which the batsmen did not get a chance to play freely. Fast bowlers bowled in the off-stump channel with movement across the crease, increasing the risk on drives and cuts. In particular, Harshit Rana’s consistency and Arshdeep’s accuracy kept the Kiwi batting pace.

At this stage of the match, New Zealand are looking to prolong the Mitchell-Phillips partnership, so that they can get a big surge in the death overs. The target for India is clear – to keep the score limited to around 260-270 by taking wickets in the next 10 overs. Indore’s pitch is generally considered helpful in scoring runs, in such a situation, taking wickets after the new ball can prove to be decisive for India.

Overall, India have had the upper hand in the first 25 overs. Harshit Rana’s aggressive start and Arshdeep Singh’s steady bowling set the tone, while Mitchell’s fighting innings kept New Zealand in the contest. The game ahead will depend on whether India is able to convert the pressure into wickets in the middle overs.