New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell delivered another masterclass against India on Sunday. He smashed his ninth One-Day International century during the third ODI at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. This remarkable knock marked his fourth hundred against the Indian team in ODI cricket.
Mitchell's Dominant Form Against India
Mitchell seems to save his best performances for matches against India. His century in Indore represents his second consecutive ODI ton versus the Men in Blue. Just days earlier, he scored an unbeaten 131 in Rajkot to help New Zealand level the series.
This latest innings extends Mitchell's incredible run of form. He has now registered four consecutive fifty-plus scores against India. His batting average against this particular opponent now exceeds 78, significantly higher than his overall ODI average of 58.
Building the Innings Under Pressure
New Zealand faced early trouble after being asked to bat first. The visitors lost both openers within the first seven deliveries of the match. Mitchell then stepped up to stabilize the innings, forming a crucial 53-run partnership with Will Young.
The right-handed batter took 106 deliveries to reach his century. This hundred in Indore represents his third century in his last four ODI innings overall. His highest individual score of 134 also came against India during the 2023 World Cup semifinal in Mumbai.
Historical Context and Series Implications
The Indore match served as the series decider with both teams having won one game each. India entered this contest with an impressive record at the venue, having never lost an ODI at Holkar Stadium. The hosts also maintained an unbeaten record in home ODI series against New Zealand.
Mitchell's consistent performances against India include two centuries during the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. He scored 130 in Dharamsala during the league stage and 134 in the Mumbai semifinal, though New Zealand lost both matches.
Statistical Highlights
Mitchell now joins elite company among New Zealand batters with his consecutive fifty-plus scores against India. Only Kane Williamson has achieved more successive fifty-plus scores versus India in ODIs with five in 2014.
The middle-order batter's recent ODI innings against India demonstrate his remarkable consistency:
- 130 in Dharamsala - October 2023
- 134 in Mumbai - November 2023
- 17 in Dubai - March 2025
- 63 in Dubai - March 2025
- 84 in Vadodara - January 2026
- 131* in Rajkot - January 2026
- 109* in Indore - January 2026
Mitchell's ability to perform consistently against one of cricket's strongest teams continues to impress cricket enthusiasts worldwide. His comfort batting in Indian conditions makes him a particularly dangerous opponent for the hosts.
