In a captivating opening to their three-match series, India secured a hard-fought four-wicket victory against New Zealand in the first ODI at Vadodara on Sunday, propelled by Virat Kohli’s commanding 93-run performance. The hosts successfully chased down New Zealand’s competitive total of 300-8 with six deliveries remaining, finishing at 306-6 in 49 overs.
New Zealand established a solid foundation with openers Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62) compiling a 117-run partnership. However, their momentum stalled as the middle order struggled, with Daryl Mitchell’s impressive 84 off 71 balls serving as the innings’ backbone. Mitchell’s effort, complemented by debutant Kristian Clarke’s late cameo of 24 off 17 deliveries, propelled the Black Caps to an imposing 300-run total.
India’s response began shakily as captain Rohit Sharma departed after a brisk 26. Kohli then orchestrated the chase with precision, reaching his half-century in just 44 deliveries. He formed crucial partnerships with Shubman Gill (50 off 66 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (49 off 47), maintaining India’s scoring rate throughout the middle overs.
The match witnessed dramatic tension when pace bowler Kyle Jamieson (4-41) triggered a late collapse, removing Kohli just seven runs short of his century and claiming two additional wickets in quick succession. Despite this pressure, Lokesh Rahul’s composed unbeaten 29 off 21 balls, supported by Harshit Rana’s valuable 29-run contribution, guided India across the finish line.
The victory gives India a 1-0 series advantage as both teams prepare for Wednesday’s second ODI in Rajkot, where New Zealand will seek redemption after letting control slip despite Jamieson’s bowling heroics.