India got the perfect start in the series decider at the Holkar Stadium, Indore, as the New Zealand openers were sent back in quick succession by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, both striking in their very first overs. On a surface widely regarded as a batting paradise with its lightning-fast outfield and true bounce, India’s pace attack delivered early breakthroughs that shifted the momentum decisively in their favour.
India made just one change to their playing XI for the third ODI, bringing back experienced left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh in place of the expensive Prasidh Krishna. The decision paid immediate dividends. Arshdeep, known for his ability to swing the new ball at pace, set the tone by removing Henry Nicholls in the opening over itself.
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Nicholls, who had begun the series on a promising note after returning to the ODI setup, struggled to build on that start in the latter half of the series. Facing Arshdeep, the New Zealand opener found himself caught in two minds. The Indian pacer shaped the ball back into the batter from a good length, a trademark delivery that often troubles right-handers early in an innings.
Fabulous start this from #TeamIndia 🔥
Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana have dismissed both the New Zealand openers 🙌
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/KR2ertVmpx#INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/fyKf3g0qCO
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2026
As the ball jagged in through the air, Nicholls hesitated between playing and leaving it. That moment of indecision proved costly. He withdrew his bat too late, allowing the inside edge to deflect the ball onto his leg stump, ending his stay at the crease and giving India an early breakthrough.
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Moments later, Harshit Rana added to New Zealand’s woes by striking in his first over, leaving the visitors reeling early in a must-win encounter. On a ground known for big scores, India’s fast bowlers ensured New Zealand were on the back foot right from the start, setting up a gripping contest in the ODI series decider.
