India defeated New Zealand by 90 runs in the third and final ODI match in Indore. India not only inflicted a 3-0 whitewash on the Black Caps, the Men in Blue were also crowned the new No.1 team in the ICC ODI rankings. Chasing a tough target of 386, Devon Conway smashed a brilliant 138, but one man’s effort was not enough to take the visitors home. For India, Shardul Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, picking up three wickets each.

Batting first, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma gave India an amazing start by adding 212 runs for the first wicket. Both the openers produced attacking batting and went on to hit centuries in the 26th over. Skipper Rohit registered his 30th ODI century, equaling Ricky Ponting’s record. Michael Bracewell gave the much-needed breakthrough by cleaning up Rohit for 101.

Gill, who hit his third century in four innings, departed for 112. The Kiwi bowlers staged a tremendous fightback which saw India lose six wickets for over 100 runs. Thakur chipped in with a cameo of 25. Hardik Pandya turned things with a blazing 38-ball 54 and guided India to post a huge total of 385/9 in 50 overs.

In reply, Pandya stunned New Zealand by dismissing Finn Allen for a duck. But Conway and Henry Nicholls batted beautifully to give their side a superb start. The pair added 106 runs for the second wicket before Kuldeep Yadav removed Nicholls for 42. Thakur then took three quick wickets to bring India back into the game.

Later on, Umran Malik got the important wicket of Conway, and the rest of the New Zealand batters failed to put up a fight as Chahal completed the formalities.