India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI LIVE: Virat Kohli fights lone battle, Nitish Kumar Reddy falls after fifty; IND 160/5

In the third One Day International between India and New Zealand, the visitors set an imposing target of 338 runs, thanks to stellar centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. Their partnership laid a solid foundation, enabling New Zealand to post a formidable total of 337/8 in their allotted 50 overs. The Indian bowlers, despite their best efforts, struggled to contain the aggressive batting display, with only a few breakthroughs coming at crucial intervals. India's chase began with cautious optimism, but the loss of early wickets put them on the back foot. Amidst the pressure, Virat Kohli emerged as a beacon of hope, playing a lone hand to stabilize the innings. Nitish Kumar Reddy provided a brief respite with a well-crafted fifty before falling, leaving India at a precarious 160/5. The middle order now faces an uphill task as they aim to steer the team towards an unlikely victory. As the match progresses, all eyes remain on Kohli, whose experience and skill are crucial in navigating the challenging chase. The Indian team will need to muster significant resilience and smart play to bridge the gap. With New Zealand's bowlers eager to capitalize on their advantageous position, the contest promises to be an intriguing battle of nerves and strategy.

— Authored by Next24 Live