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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 New Zealand have won just 9 of 41 ODIs in India across bilateral history
- 2🏆 Series locked 1-1 with decider at Holkar Stadium, Indore on Sunday
- 3💡 Siraj emphasizes rarity of bilateral deciders in Indian cricket calendar
- 4🔮 New Zealand chasing first bilateral series win in India since 2017
"New Zealand haven't won a bilateral ODI series in India in seven previous attempts"
Mohammed Siraj has elevated India's decisive third ODI against New Zealand to World Cup final status, underlining the magnitude of Sunday's clash at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. With the three-match series locked at 1-1, the Men in Blue face a rare opportunity to settle a bilateral contest in a decider—a situation that doesn't come around often in Indian cricket.
New Zealand's Historic Struggle in India
New Zealand arrive in Indore as underdogs despite their second ODI victory in Rajkot. The Kiwis have never won an ODI bilateral series in India across seven attempts, winning just nine of 41 completed matches on Indian soil. Their Rajkot triumph marked their first win against India since 2023, snapping an eight-match losing streak that stretched back nearly three years. More strikingly, New Zealand hadn't beaten India at home since 2017—a testament to the Men in Blue's dominance in bilateral contests.
"Such situations are very rare in India, so it is a great opportunity for us. Almost like a World Cup final." — Mohammed Siraj
The atmosphere in the Indian camp remains buoyant despite the series being squared. Senior players have been providing crucial input, and the confidence from winning the opener has translated into a composed mindset heading into the decider. For Siraj and the bowling unit, this represents a chance to deliver under pressure—exactly the kind of high-stakes cricket that separates champions from contenders.
