Powered by centuries from openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, India beat New Zealand by 90 runs on Tuesday to win the third one-day international and sweep the series 3-0.
Gill scored 112 runs off 78 balls and Sharma struck 101 off 85 as India piled up 385-9 in 50 overs. “I have been batting well and just wanted to go that extra mile today," Sharma said. “The pitch was really good for batting.” In reply, Devon Conway scored 138 off 100 but it wasn't enough as New Zealand were bowled out for 295 runs in 41.2 overs at Holkar Cricket Stadium.
Shardul Thakur (3-45) and Kuldeep Yadav (3-62) did most of the damage. India became the top-ranked ODI team with the win, while New Zealand dropped to fourth. “In the last six games, we have done most parts right and that is the key in 50-over games,” Sharma said. “We have been consistent.” Put in to bat, the Indian openers shared an impressive stand of 212 runs in 26.1 overs.
It was the highest first-wicket partnership in ODIs against New Zealand, exceeding 201 runs by Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir for India in 2009.