On a dramatic Sunday in Indore, January 18, 2026, Daryl Mitchell didn’t just score runs—he rewrote the record books. With a commanding, unbeaten 137 off 115 balls in the third ODI against India, the New Zealand all-rounder became the **highest run-scorer in a three-match bilateral ODI series against India**, amassing a staggering 352 runs at an average that defies belief .
This wasn’t a flash-in-the-pan performance. It was the culmination of a masterclass in batting under pressure, tactical brilliance, and unwavering composure. While India’s bowlers scrambled for breakthroughs, Mitchell stood tall—once again proving why he’s arguably the most formidable overseas batter on Indian soil in the modern era.
Table of Contents
- The Record-Breaking 3-Match ODI Series
- Daryl Mitchell’s Dominance Against India: By the Numbers
- The Game-Sealing Partnership with Glenn Phillips
- Why India Can’t Solve the Daryl Mitchell Puzzle
- Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented in Rivalry
- Sources
The Record-Breaking 3-Match ODI Series
The series began with Mitchell scoring a gritty 84 in the first ODI. He followed it up with an unbeaten 131 in the second game, and then sealed his legacy with a blistering 137* in the decider—all while chasing or setting big totals .
His scores: **84, 131*, 137***. His total: **352 runs**. His average: **352.00** (since he remained not out twice). This monumental achievement surpasses all previous records for the most runs in a three-game ODI series on Indian soil, placing him in elite company alongside legends like Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara—but with a uniquely dominant edge against this specific opponent .
New Zealand posted 337/8 in the final match, largely thanks to Mitchell’s leadership from the middle order. His innings included 12 boundaries and 5 sixes, blending elegance with calculated aggression—a hallmark of his matured batting style.
Daryl Mitchell’s Dominance Against India: By the Numbers
Mitchell’s success isn’t limited to this series. His overall record against India is nothing short of extraordinary:
- Matches: 11 ODIs
- Runs: 741
- Average: 67.11
- Centuries: 4
- Half-centuries: 3
To put this in perspective, among all batters with 500+ runs against India in ODIs since 2020, **no one has a higher average than Mitchell** . Even Virat Kohli, widely regarded as India’s greatest ODI batter, averages lower against top-tier opponents than Mitchell does specifically against India.
[INTERNAL_LINK:new-zealand-cricket-stars] This level of consistency suggests a deep understanding of Indian bowling tactics, pitch behavior, and pressure situations—traits that separate great players from generational ones.
The Game-Sealing Partnership with Glenn Phillips
In the third ODI, after New Zealand lost early wickets, the stage was set for collapse. Instead, Mitchell and Glenn Phillips authored one of the most crucial stands in recent Black Caps history—a **219-run partnership for the fourth wicket** .
Phillips scored a fluent 106, but it was Mitchell who anchored the innings, rotating strike intelligently and accelerating only when the situation demanded. Their synergy neutralized India’s spinners and exposed gaps in the field, turning a shaky start into a commanding total.
This partnership wasn’t just about runs—it was psychological warfare. It demoralized the Indian attack and shifted momentum decisively in New Zealand’s favor, showcasing the kind of middle-order resilience that wins series.
Why India Can’t Solve the Daryl Mitchell Puzzle
Indian bowlers have tried everything: short-pitched bouncers, leg-side traps, mystery spin, and even slower balls. Yet Mitchell remains unflustered. Experts point to three key reasons:
- Technical Soundness: His compact stance and minimal footwork make him less vulnerable to swing or seam movement.
- Mental Fortitude: He thrives under pressure, often accelerating after reaching fifty—a trait rare in modern cricket.
- Tactical Awareness: He reads Indian spinners exceptionally well, using soft hands and precise placement to counter turn and bounce.
As long as these elements remain intact, Mitchell will continue to be India’s most consistent ODI nemesis.
Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented in Rivalry
Daryl Mitchell’s historic 352-run series isn’t just a statistical anomaly—it’s a statement. It reflects a player at the peak of his powers, exploiting a specific rivalry with surgical precision. In an era where T20 leagues dominate headlines, Mitchell’s commitment to building long-form ODI innings offers a refreshing reminder of the format’s enduring beauty.
For New Zealand, he’s a match-winner. For India, he’s a recurring nightmare. And for cricket fans worldwide, he’s proof that quiet excellence can speak louder than fireworks. As the Black Caps look ahead to the Champions Trophy and beyond, one thing is clear: where Daryl Mitchell goes, history follows.