 "India's Virat Kohli plays a shot during the third One Day International cricket match between India and New Zealand in Indore, India, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP)")
Virat Kohli scored his 54th century in One-Day Internationals on Sunday as he waged a lone battle to keep India in game in the series decider against New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Kohli’s brilliant 124 could not save India from losing their first ever series to New Zealand in the 50-over format at home.
Highlights: India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI
The 37-year-old completed his 85th international century to keep the game alive as India aimed to chase down 338 to win the series. Kohli added 99 runs for the seventh wicket with Harshit Rana, threatening to turn the game around in India’s favour.
However, Rana fell in the 44th over and Mohammed Siraj followed him to the pavillion on the very next ball. Kohli’s fight also ended in the 46th over after a brilliant 108-ball 124 and the dismissal effectively ended the series. He also surpassed former Australia captain Ricky Ponting for most runs at number three in ODI cricket.
Earlier, with Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips scoring tons, New Zealand posted a big total of 337/8 in 50 overs.
Kohli continues fine form
Kohli scored his third century in last six ODI innings to continue his exceptional form in the only format he now plays in international cricket.
On Sunday, as India lost Rohit Sharma early in the 338-run chase, Kohli came out to bat in the fifth over. He started once again in his new-found aggressive way and launched a brilliant six against Zakary Foulkes early in his innings.
After that, he was forced to slow down as India lost the wickets of captain Shubman Gill, vice captain Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in the space of 16 runs.
Quick Reads
View AllKohli, joined by Nitish Kumar Reddy, then put up a steady partnership before it was broken via Reddy’s wicket. Ravindra Jadeja fell soon but then came a feisty innings from Rana which brought India back into the game.
Kohli then got to his century and upped the ante but with Rana and Siraj falling on back-to-back deliveries, the game turned once again. The former India skipper hit a few boundaries but then was dismissed by Kristian Clarke while going for a big shot.
Even with the game lost, fans and experts could not stop showering praise on Kohli’s stunning century.