Ind vs NZ ODI 1 : Virat Kohli proves himself again
India began the ODI series on a winning note, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a tense Ind vs NZ ODI 1 at Vadodara. Chasing a challenging target of 301, India leaned on the experience of Virat Kohli and the composure of KL Rahul to cross the line with an over to spare. Despite a spirited fightback from New Zealand, India held their nerve to go 1–0 up in the series.
Match Summary
India vs New Zealand – 1st ODI
New Zealand Tour of India 2026 • Vadodara
The opening ODI lived up to expectations, producing a gripping contest that swung momentum multiple times. New Zealand posted a competitive 300 on a two-paced surface, thanks to a solid top-order foundation and a well-paced middle-overs effort. India’s chase was set up by strong partnerships at the top, with Kohli anchoring the innings superbly. Just when India seemed in control, New Zealand struck back through a rapid burst of wickets, forcing a nervy finish. Calm heads in the lower middle order ensured India stayed on course, sealing a hard-earned win and taking early control of the series.
Inning-wise Breakdown
First Innings – New Zealand Batting
Batting first, New Zealand laid a strong platform through Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, who added 117 for the opening wicket with patience and control. Both batters picked their moments to accelerate after seeing off the new ball. India responded well once the stand was broken, using pace-off deliveries to good effect. Daryl Mitchell then anchored the innings with a composed knock, rotating strike and finding boundaries at key moments. Late contributions from the lower order pushed New Zealand to exactly 300, a total that kept them firmly in the contest.
Second Innings – India Batting
India’s chase began positively before Rohit Sharma fell inside the powerplay. Shubman Gill initially took time to settle but grew in confidence once Kohli arrived at the crease. Kohli shifted gears early, putting pressure back on the bowlers and building a crucial partnership that kept India ahead of the rate. After Gill’s fifty and dismissal, Shreyas Iyer continued the momentum, and India looked set for a comfortable finish. New Zealand, however, roared back through a stunning spell from Kyle Jamieson, who removed Kohli and Iyer in quick succession. With pressure mounting, KL Rahul showed remarkable composure, guiding the chase alongside Harshit Rana and an injured Washington Sundar to take India home with six balls remaining.
Top Performers
Virat Kohli – Player of the Martch - 93 runs
Virat Kohli once again underlined his value in run chases with a composed 93 that formed the backbone of India’s pursuit. Walking in early, he played with intent without taking unnecessary risks, rotating strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries. On a surface that was not easy to start on, Kohli made batting look simpler through experience and game awareness. His partnerships with Gill and Iyer ensured India stayed ahead of the required rate. Even though he fell short of a hundred, his knock decisively tilted the game in India’s favour.
Daryl Mitchell – 84 runs
Daryl Mitchell delivered a typically responsible innings for New Zealand, anchoring the middle overs after the openers were dismissed. He balanced caution with aggression, ensuring the scoreboard kept moving while wickets fell at the other end. Mitchell handled both pace and spin with assurance, picking gaps rather than relying solely on power. His dismissal in the penultimate over prevented New Zealand from pushing beyond 300, but his effort still proved vital in giving the bowlers something meaningful to defend against a strong Indian batting lineup.
Kyle Jamieson – 4 wickets
Kyle Jamieson nearly turned the match on its head with a superb bowling spell during the chase. Using bounce, subtle movement, and changes in pace, he removed Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession. That burst transformed a comfortable Indian position into a tense finish. Jamieson’s ability to extract awkward bounce made him difficult to line up, especially under lights. His four-wicket haul was the standout bowling performance of the match and a major positive for New Zealand despite the defeat.
KL Rahul (India) – 29 runs
KL Rahul played the role of finisher to perfection, keeping his composure when the game threatened to slip away from India. With wickets falling around him, Rahul resisted the urge to force the pace, instead backing his ability to close out the chase. He rotated strike smartly, supported Harshit Rana, and calmly assessed the situation in the final overs. Rahul’s finishing touch, capped by a six to seal the win, ensured India crossed the line without panic and highlighted his growing assurance in pressure situations.
What This Result Means
India’s win gives them a 1–0 lead and continues their strong recent run against New Zealand in ODIs. Successfully chasing a 300-plus target once again reinforces India’s confidence in high-pressure chases, particularly with experienced batters guiding the innings. For New Zealand, the narrow loss will be frustrating, but there were encouraging signs in both batting depth and bowling intensity, especially Jamieson’s impact. Fine margins proved decisive, with India managing key moments better under pressure. As the series moves forward, New Zealand will look to tighten their execution at the death, while India will aim to build on their momentum and address brief middle-order stumbles.
