India win third ODI by three wickets after Gurnoor Brar takes four for 30
Gurnoor Brar claims four for 30 as India complete a 3-0 ODI series win over New Zealand.
India defeated New Zealand by three wickets in the third ODI at Sky Stadium in Wellington. New Zealand were bowled out for 134, their lowest ODI total against India at home. Gurnoor Brar took career-best figures of four for 30, while Anshul Kamboj, Axar Patel and Auqib Nabi Dar each claimed two wickets. Daryl Mitchell scored 55 and Mitchell Santner made 31 for the hosts. India reached their target of 135 with 113 for seven in 26 overs. Shreyas Iyer top-scored with 30, while KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 26. Rohit Sharma hit two sixes to become the highest six-hitter against New Zealand in ODIs. Virat Kohli surpassed Ricky Ponting's record for ODI runs against New Zealand during the match. India retained the same playing XI as the first ODI, while New Zealand also made no changes. Gurnoor Brar credited the extra bounce for helping him bowl hard lengths and thanked Kohli, Rohit and Gill for their guidance. Shubman Gill praised Gurnoor Brar's performance after the match. Mitchell Santner said New Zealand fell short with the bat. KL Rahul gifted his Player of the Match award to a stadium official.
CricHubb Take
Gurnoor Brar's breakout performance marks the emergence of a genuine third seamer option for India ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle. His ability to exploit the extra bounce on New Zealand pitches could influence selection decisions for future overseas tours.