Team India is enjoying a strong run in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. After winning the first two matches of the five-match series, India have taken a 2-0 lead and moved closer to securing a memorable series victory on New Zealand soil.

What makes this achievement particularly interesting is the historical connection. India last won an ODI series in New Zealand in February 2019. Nearly 93 months later, the team has another opportunity to repeat that success.

India take a 2-0 lead in the ODI series

India began the five-match ODI series with an impressive performance in Auckland on November 4. New Zealand were bowled out for 185, after which India successfully chased the revised target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method to win by five wickets.

The second ODI, played in Wellington on November 7, proved to be a much closer contest. Rain interrupted the match, but India eventually secured a four-run victory under the DLS method.

New Zealand were bowled out for 134 while chasing India's revised target. Gurnoor Brar was one of the standout performers, taking four wickets for 30 runs and earning the Player of the Match award.

With these two victories, India have established a 2-0 advantage in the series.

Why is the 93-month record important?

India's last ODI series victory in New Zealand came during the 2018-19 tour, when Virat Kohli-led India defeated the hosts 4-1 in a five-match series.

Since that successful tour, India have struggled to achieve similar results in New Zealand. The team lost the 2019-20 ODI series 0-3, while the 2022 tour also proved challenging, with one defeat and two matches washed out.

Now, after nearly 93 months, India have another opportunity to win an ODI series in New Zealand.

A victory in the third ODI would allow India to seal the five-match series with two matches still remaining.

When will the third ODI be played?

The third match of the series is scheduled for November 10 at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

India will enter the contest with confidence after winning the opening two matches. New Zealand, meanwhile, will be under pressure to secure a victory and keep their hopes of making a comeback alive.

The remaining fixtures are:

• Third ODI: November 10 – Hamilton

• Fourth ODI: November 13 – Mount Maunganui

• Fifth ODI: November 15 – Mount Maunganui

Can India create history once again?

India have made an excellent start to the series, winning two closely contested matches despite challenging weather conditions.

The next match will be particularly important because another victory will confirm India's series triumph and end their wait for an ODI series win in New Zealand since 2019.

With the team already holding a 2-0 lead, fans will be hoping that India can maintain their momentum and repeat the success achieved under Virat Kohli nearly eight years ago.