India registered a convincing four-wicket win over New Zealand in the first match of the three-match ODI series played in Vadodara. Chasing a challenging target of 301 runs, Team India completed the chase in the 49th over, powered by crucial knocks from Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
New Zealand Post Competitive Total of 300
Batting first, New Zealand put up a strong total of 300 runs for the loss of eight wickets, thanks to a fluent half-century from Daryl Mitchell. Mitchell scored 84 runs off 71 balls, smashing five fours and three sixes, and provided momentum after the middle-order collapse.
Openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls gave New Zealand a solid start, adding 117 runs for the first wicket. Conway scored 56 off 67 balls, while Nicholls contributed 62 off 69 deliveries, using sweep and reverse sweep shots effectively against Indian spinners.
Harshit Rana Turns the Game Around
The momentum shifted in the 22nd over when fast bowler Harshit Rana dismissed Nicholls, breaking the opening stand. Just two overs later, Rana removed Conway as well, leaving New Zealand two wickets down within 13 runs.
Despite a missed catch by Kuldeep Yadav earlier, Indian bowlers kept the pressure on. Will Young was caught behind off Mohammed Siraj, while Prasidh Krishna dismissed Mitchell Hay. Glenn Phillips failed to settle and was trapped by Kuldeep, and skipper Michael Bracewell was run out by a brilliant direct hit from Shreyas Iyer.
Debutant Christian Clark played a quick cameo, scoring an unbeaten 24 off 17 balls, helping New Zealand cross the 300-run mark. For India, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets each, while Kuldeep Yadav claimed one.
India’s Chase: Kohli Leads from the Front
India’s chase began with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill providing a brisk start. Rohit scored 26 off 29 balls before getting out while attempting a big shot. During his innings, Rohit completed 650 international sixes.
Virat Kohli walked in with confidence and quickly found his rhythm. He brought up his half-century in just 44 balls and went on to score 93 off 91 deliveries. With this knock, Kohli surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket.
Most Runs in International Cricket
- Sachin Tendulkar – 34,357
- Virat Kohli – 28,068
- Kumar Sangakkara – 28,016
- Ricky Ponting – 27,483
- Sanath Jayasuriya – 25,957
Gill and Kohli Build Strong Partnership
Captain Shubman Gill also registered a fine half-century, scoring 56 off 71 balls despite battling discomfort. Gill and Kohli stitched together a crucial 118-run partnership for the second wicket, giving India full control of the chase.
Jamieson Sparks Late Drama
New Zealand made a late comeback through Kyle Jamieson, who dismissed Kohli in the 40th over and then removed Ravindra Jadeja cheaply. Jamieson struck again in the 42nd over, bowling Shreyas Iyer for 49, just one run short of his fifty.
Harshit Rana played a fearless knock of 29 off 23 balls under pressure, while Washington Sundar walked in despite injury. Sundar and KL Rahul kept their composure and guided India home without further loss.
Rahul sealed the victory in the 49th over with two boundaries and a six, finishing unbeaten on 29 off 21 balls. Sundar remained not out on 7. Jamieson was the standout bowler for New Zealand with four wickets.
India Take 1–0 Lead in ODI Series
With this win, India take a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series, showcasing a strong all-round performance and depth in batting under pressure.
